The AI system, which can identify multi-element zones in data, associate these zones with relevant lithologies and structures, and express vector knowledge data in computer analysis form, will be used at the company's JP Ross, Vertigo and Titan properties.

The Minerva software can compare the identified vectors to hundreds of past and present mines worldwide, and shortlist those most similar to White Gold's targets. This can then serve as reliable models for the miner's staff to base their drilling strategies on.

"By using Minerva's cognitive AI to identify the geochemical relationships between various structures, we can essentially get an unbiased second opinion to augment our own exploration effort and at a price that's about the cost of a single RAB hole," White Gold chief technical advisor Shawn Ryan said.

Minerva CEO Scott Tillman noted that, while it is the first phase of the project with the mining operator, it is optimistic in the potential results.

"Mining and geohazards represent a significant opportunity for our technology to help in the exploration process as well as with risk analysis, and this contract further validates our belief that there is a real need and demand for what Minerva's software is able to offer," he said.

White Gold's portfolio represents about 40% of the resources that make up the Yukon's White Gold district.