Minexx and Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy have signed a multi-year agreement to develop and deploy AI-powered mineral processing technologies for tin, tungsten, and tantalum operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Abu Dhabi. Minexx today announced a multi-year strategic agreement with Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, an applied research and innovation institution within the AD Ports Group ecosystem, to develop and deploy artificial intelligence-powered mineral processing technologies for tin, tungsten, and tantalum operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The initiative targets one of the most persistent structural challenges in DRC's 3T supply chains: the economic upgrading of low-grade mineral material to export-ready standards. By combining institutional AI research with live operational deployment, the partnership aims to improve recovery rates, reduce processing losses, and strengthen the data integrity of mineral supply chains at source.
Technology-Led Approach to a Long-Standing Processing Gap
Under the agreement, Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy will lead the design, development, and capital investment required to deliver a machine-learning-driven industrial processing solution. Minexx will provide operational working capital and deploy the technology within its established DRC operations, enabling real-world application, continuous calibration, and performance optimisation at scale.
The collaboration brings together Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy's applied research, engineering, and artificial intelligence capabilities with Minexx's operational footprint and mineral supply-chain expertise across the DRC, one of the world's most significant producers of tin, tungsten, and tantalum.
Mansoor Hamayun, Co-Founder and Chairman of Minexx, commented: “In the DRC, a significant volume of tin, tungsten, and tantalum remains economically stranded because existing processing infrastructure cannot efficiently upgrade low-grade material to export standards. This agreement brings together institutional AI research, long-term capital commitment, and live operational deployment to address that gap, while reinforcing the transparency and traceability that responsible supply chains require.”
A Shared Strategic Alignment
The partnership reflects complementary strategic objectives. For Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy and AD Ports Group, the agreement extends applied research and capital into high-impact industrial environments, consistent with Abu Dhabi's ambition to position itself as a global hub for advanced logistics and industrial innovation. For Minexx, the initiative accelerates the technological modernisation of critical mineral supply chains in Africa, supporting the responsible sourcing standards increasingly required by international buyers, regulators, and downstream manufacturers.
Tin, tungsten, and tantalum are subject to some of the most stringent responsible sourcing frameworks in force globally, including the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains. Improving processing efficiency and data integrity at source directly supports compliance across the value chain.
- Enabling the economic upgrading of tin, tungsten, and tantalum from low-grade to export-ready standards;
- Unlocking value from previously under-processed or uneconomic material;
- Advancing practical applications of artificial intelligence in mineral processing;
- Combining institutional research with live operational deployment in emerging markets;
- Supporting efficient, responsible, and scalable critical mineral supply chains.
The agreement has an initial multi-year term and is expected to serve as a foundation for broader collaboration in applied research, industrial AI, and technology-enabled mineral processing infrastructure.
About Minexx
Minexx is a technology-driven company specialising in responsible sourcing and sustainable supply-chain solutions. The company works with mining operators, processors, manufacturers, and governments to improve transparency, formalisation, and sustainability across mineral value chains, with strong operational presence in the Democratic Republic of Congo and connections to global markets.
About Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy
Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy is a leading applied research and academic institution specialising in maritime, logistics, engineering, and advanced technologies. Operating within the AD Ports Group ecosystem, the Academy contributes to Abu Dhabi's innovation-driven knowledge economy through applied research, industry partnerships, and the deployment of advanced technologies in real operational environments.