Harvard Students Explore AI Applications for Graphite Processing at South Star’s Santa Cruz Mine
Event summary
- Harvard University’s Q-Fellows cohort visited South Star’s Santa Cruz graphite project from September 16–19, 2026, to explore AI applications in mineral processing.
- The team conducted over 100 interviews across the critical minerals supply chain, identifying processing bottlenecks and the transition from pilot to commercial production.
- Santa Cruz is the first graphite mine in North America in decades, positioning South Star as a key player in non-China processing.
- The research aims to optimize data collection and process decisions using AI, though no specific outcomes are promised.
The big picture
South Star’s collaboration with Harvard underscores the growing emphasis on AI and data-driven solutions in mineral processing, particularly as the industry seeks to reduce reliance on China. The Santa Cruz project’s strategic importance is amplified by its role as the first new graphite mine in North America in decades, positioning South Star as a critical player in the evolving critical minerals landscape. The research could set a precedent for how AI is applied in other mining operations, potentially reshaping industry standards.
What we're watching
- AI Integration
- How effectively South Star can implement AI-driven process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
- Supply Chain Dynamics
- Whether the research will accelerate the transition from pilot to commercial-scale processing outside China.
- Strategic Positioning
- The pace at which South Star can leverage its non-China processing capacity to capture market share in the graphite supply chain.