GD
Geodynamics

Nicholas Vafeas

Dr. Nicholas Vafeas is an economic geologist specialising in critical raw materials, mineral supply chains, and energy policy. Originally from South Africa, his work spans exploration geology, resource governance, and strategic minerals analysis across multiple commodities and jurisdictions. His experience ranges from operational work on lithium-tantalum pegmatites in Mozambique to navigating mining-community dynamics in the Kalahari and authoring contributions for Irish Parliamentary publications on geothermal energy. Nicholas focuses on the intersection of geology, markets, and policy, particularly how raw material systems shape the energy transition, industrial resilience, and resource security. More of his work can be found on his official website: https://www.nicholasvafeas.com/.

The AI Revolution in Mining: Overhyped, Understood and Absolutely Unavoidable

and May 27, 2026
The AI Revolution in Mining: Overhyped, Understood and Absolutely Unavoidable
An open-pit mine with a conceptual digital subsurface overlay, illustrating how Artificial Intelligence can help geologists visualise patterns beneath the surface. Source: Nicholas Vafeas

Artificial Intelligence has dominated the world across various sectors. However, it is yet to be decided whether the use of AI in Mineral Exploration (and more broadly in Geosciences) will diminish the expertise and know-how of Geologists or instead provide a valuable tool for the years ahead. In this week’s blog, Dr. Nicholas Vafeas shares his perspective on AI technology in the mining industry a ...[Read More]

The Great Green Paradox

and November 6, 2024
The Great Green Paradox
The policy cycle in the mineral resources industry. Illustrated by Emily Hinshaw.

The sustainable and responsible use of mineral resources is a challenging task, yet essential for the benefit of our society. In this week’s blog, Dr. Νicholas Vafeas, an economic Geologist with a rich background in energy and mineral resources policy, shares his views on the urgent need to develop a holistic approach that can help integrate sustainable practises without posing any further risks t ...[Read More]