Filipa Dias

   

Exploration Geologist
SpotMine

BIO

Exploration geologist at SpotMine, Lda., researcher at the Institute of Earth Sciences (ICT), Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal, and PhD candidate in Geosciences at the same institution. She began her doctoral studies at Central Michigan University in the United States, where she researched lithium (Li) pegmatites. She holds a master’s and a bachelor’s degree in Geology from the University of Porto and has specialized in Li exploration since 2014, a focus she first developed during her master’s research. Her work centers on the petrology and geochemistry of Li pegmatites and the use of advanced analytical techniques such as X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for mineral exploration. She has contributed to national and international projects on economically significant pegmatites, with a scientific record that includes peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences. Drawing on her experience, she helped co-found SpotMine, Lda. with colleagues from the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto. The start-up applies scientific expertise to practical geological consulting, focusing on mineral exploration, particularly Li pegmatites. Through SpotMine, she bridges research and industry, using innovative technologies and geological insight to support the sustainable exploration of critical mineral resources.

Session 9.
22 October 2025 / 16:30 - 08:10 | Lagoas hall

Beyond the Drill: SpotMine's Data Engine for the New Era of Mineral Exploration

SpotMine is making its public debut with the MineSpot Project — an innovation initiative designed to redefine how mineral exploration is done. By combining geophysics, geochemistry, advanced sensing technologies, and artificial intelligence, MineSpot intends to develop and test new, smarter, and faster data-driven methodologies for Li pegmatite exploration. The project aims to reduce early-stage exploration timelines by about 30%, enabling quicker and more accurate geological insights. Its first pilot focuses on Li detection, using predictive mapping powered by hyperspectral imagery and structural data from a promising Li-rich region in Portugal. Building on this foundation, SpotMine plans to expand its methodology beyond Li to other critical minerals such as REEs, Nb, and Co, starting with Portugal and then extending operations worldwide. MineSpot marks the beginning of a new era in mineral exploration — where innovation truly begins before drilling.