Prince Lonkhokhela, minister of natural resources and energy.

Eswatini is using artificial intelligence (AI) in a geoscientific mapping project to investigate potentially huge and unexplored onshore mineral deposits.

This is part of the second phase of the Eswatini Multi-disciplinary Geoscience Mapping project, which was launched by Prince Lonkhokhela, Minister of Natural Resources and Energy.

"This project involves conducting an airborne geophysical survey and combining the high resolution geophysical data with the available geological and geochemical data, using artificial intelligence, to identify and prioritise potential mineral targets," he went on to say.

The minister stated that geoscientific mapping and description of the Kingdom nation formerly known as Swaziland played an important role in supporting economic growth and investment.

The mining industry was recognised as one of the cornerstones for economic diversification in Eswatini's 2018-2023 economic roadmap.

"For investment to take place in this sector of the economy, quality and reliable geoscientific data and information is one of the requirements for potential mining investors to make quick decisions on investing in the kingdom," he said.

The exercise comes after the first phase was completed in 2001.

The phase included the Hhohho and Manzini districts, where four minerals were discovered: copper-nickel-platinum group elements, diamond, gold, and iron ore.

The Lubombo and Shiselweni regions will be covered in the second phase.