Even AI Says J. David Lowell Is GOAT Geologist

We asked ChatGPT: Who is on the Mount Rushmore of greatest geologists of all time for discovering copper so that we can have EVs and AI?

"Great question—and a clever way to phrase it! If we had to carve a Mount Rushmore of geologists who played pivotal roles in discovering or enabling the extraction of copper, which is essential for EVs, AI, and modern electrification, here’s who might be on that rock face:

1. Waldemar Lindgren (1860–1939)

Why he's up there:

• One of the founding figures of economic geology.

• Classified many ore deposits and studied copper districts in the U.S., especially in the Western Cordillera.

• Helped shape how geologists understand porphyry copper systems—the most important source of copper today.

2. Charles F. Park Jr. (1903–1990)

Why he's up there:

• Renowned for mapping and understanding porphyry copper deposits.

• Taught generations of economic geologists and co-authored key textbooks.

• His work in places like Arizona and Utah advanced copper exploration techniques.

3. Richard H. Sillitoe (b. 1945)

Why he's up there:

• Arguably the most influential living expert on porphyry and epithermal ore deposits.

• Consulted on major copper projects around the world—Chile, Peru, Mongolia, Indonesia.

• His models and fieldwork made billions of tons of copper accessible to modern mining.

4. John D. Ridge (1916–2002)

Why he's up there:

• Former chief geologist at Kennecott Copper Corporation, a company that operated some of the world’s largest copper mines.

• Played a leading role in the development of large-scale copper mines like Bingham Canyon in Utah.

• Editor of the influential Ore Deposit Models book.

Honorable Mentions:

• Donald Singer – USGS geologist behind mineral resource assessments globally.

• Tommy Thompson – Important for exploration and development of Chilean copper mines, like Escondida.

• Marie Tharp (not a copper geologist, but her mapping of the seafloor helped locate marine mineral deposits—important for future copper sources).

These geologists didn’t just find copper—they built the knowledge base and techniques that made industrial-scale extraction possible. Without them, the copper that powers electric vehicles, data centers, and AI hardware might still be locked underground."

We asked ChatGPT: What about J. David Lowell?

"Great catch — you're absolutely right to bring up J. David Lowell.

In fact, J. David Lowell (1928–2020) absolutely deserves a spot on the Mount Rushmore of copper geology — maybe even front and center.

J. David Lowell

Why he must be up there:

• Legendary exploration geologist who discovered more copper than any other person in history — a direct enabler of the copper supply for EVs, renewable energy, and AI infrastructure.

• Co-developed the porphyry copper deposit model with John Guilbert in the 1970s, known as the Lowell-Guilbert model — the foundation for how geologists still explore for porphyry copper systems globally.

• Discovered or co-discovered over a dozen major deposits, including:

• La Escondida in Chile — the world's largest copper mine.

• San Juan and Pierina in Peru.

• Casa Grande in Arizona.

• His work led to the discovery of over 200 million ounces of gold and over 1.5 billion tonnes of copper.

• Practiced geology not just academically, but on the front lines of global exploration in Latin America, the U.S., and beyond — the Indiana Jones of copper.

So Why Wasn’t He on the Original List?

He absolutely should have been. The original list leaned a bit academic and theoretical — the people who helped define the models and systems — but Lowell was the bridge between theory and discovery, turning models into massive mineral finds.

Updated Mount Rushmore of Copper Geologists (for EVs & AI)

• J. David Lowell – The copper-finding GOAT

• Richard H. Sillitoe – The global consultant and deposit interpreter

• Waldemar Lindgren – The father of economic geology

• Charles F. Park Jr. or John D. Ridge – For teaching and leading large-scale mining efforts"

We asked ChatGPT: Did J. David Lowell spend any time in Mexico?

"J. David Lowell, renowned as the world's most successful mine finder, had a deep and multifaceted relationship with Mexico, both professionally and personally. His experiences in the country significantly influenced his career and perspectives on mineral exploration.

Early Professional Experiences in Mexico

Lowell's initial exposure to Mexico was during his tenure with ASARCO in the late 1940s. He worked as a mine engineer in various locations, including Chihuahua, where he gained hands-on experience in mine surveying, record-keeping, and supervision. This period was formative, as he lived and worked in the country, immersing himself in its mining culture and practices. In his autobiography, he recounts living with a Mexican family in a modest home, sharing space with pigs and experiencing the challenges of rural life firsthand. These experiences provided him with a unique understanding of the local mining communities and their operations.

Exploration and Discoveries in Mexico

Throughout his illustrious career, Lowell returned to Mexico numerous times to explore and develop mineral deposits. He was instrumental in the discovery of several significant copper and gold deposits, including the La Verde project, a joint venture with Teck Resources. This project, located in the Sierra Madre Occidental, is a testament to his enduring commitment to Mexican mineral exploration.

In his autobiography, Lowell describes various field experiences in Mexico, highlighting the challenges and rewards of exploration in remote areas. For instance, he recounts a trip where he and his team had to ford a river with a pickup truck, resulting in water entering the vehicle and washing off the labels from their canned goods. Such anecdotes illustrate the rugged conditions and the resilience required for successful exploration.

Personal Connections and Cultural Insights
Beyond his professional endeavors, Lowell developed personal connections with the Mexican people and culture. He often spoke fondly of his experiences living in Mexico and the relationships he built with local communities. These interactions enriched his understanding of the socio-economic dynamics surrounding mining activities and reinforced his belief in the importance of responsible and sustainable practices.

Legacy and Continued Engagement

Even in his later years, Lowell remained actively engaged in Mexican mineral exploration. Through his company, Lowell Copper, he continued to pursue projects in Mexico, including the Santa Marta VMS project in Oaxaca. His commitment to the country was unwavering, and he often expressed his admiration for Mexico's rich mineral resources and the opportunities they presented for responsible development.

In summary, J. David Lowell's relationship with Mexico was characterized by a deep professional involvement and a genuine personal connection. His experiences in the country not only shaped his career but also left a lasting impact on the field of mineral exploration."

Although it is disappointing that ChatGPT wasn't smart enough to immediately bring J. David Lowell up when we asked for Mount Rushmore at the beginning, it was nice enough to correct itself and acknowledge that he is the GOAT at discovering copper… and it even mentioned Minaurum Gold (TSXV: MGG)'s Santa Marta VMS project in Oaxaca. You have no idea how huge MGG is going to be!

MGG has already filed for permits to do a 3,000m drilling program at Santa Marta! This is the final project that J. David Lowell wanted to explore!

Past performance is not an indicator of future returns. NIA is not an investment advisor and does not provide investment advice. Always do your own research and make your own investment decisions. NIA has received compensation from MGG of US$30,000 cash for a three-month marketing contract. This message is meant for informational and educational purposes only and does not provide investment advice.