PSM & Datavault AI Build Platform for Critical Minerals

Datavault AI has revealed plans for a strategic collaboration with Patriot Strategic Metals (PSM) to co-develop what the firms describe as a Strategic Materials Acquisition Platform.

The initiative is positioned as an institutional-grade digital infrastructure designed to enable the financing, tokenisation, settlement and lifecycle management of strategic mineral assets.

Demand for critical minerals such as copper, lithium and cobalt continues to accelerate, driven by their role in AI infrastructure, semiconductor production, defence, robotics and electrification.

The IEA notes that amid heightened geopolitical tensions, critical minerals have become a frontline concern for global energy and economic security.

The proposed agreement aims to underpin the full lifecycle of eligible minerals, spanning acquisition, storage, transport, certification, insurance and distribution.

Datavault AI and Patriot Strategic Metals

According to the companies, the partnership is expected to merge PSM’s integrated strategic metals platform with Datavault AI’s suite of capabilities, including real-world asset (RWA) tokenisation, AI-enabled infrastructure, blockchain-based settlement and enterprise software.

RWA tokenisation converts physical or traditional financial assets into digital tokens using blockchain technology similar to cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.

In this use case, it acts as an advanced system for tracking and managing critical minerals digitally.

PSM’s platform spans mining interests, long-term offtake agreements, refining operations, strategic stockpiles, commodity trading and broader supply chain functions.

John K. Park, Managing Member of PSM, says: “Our partnership with Datavault AI provides the technological foundation to modernise the financing and movement of critical minerals through RWA infrastructure, digital settlement and institutional trade finance.”

The financial deal 

The companies state the partnership “contemplates” an initial Phase I development programme of up to US$700m, covering institutional trade finance, digital settlement, technology integration, compliance and deployment.

Within this Phase I scope, approximately US$62m is earmarked for Datavault AI-related technology integration.

Earlier in the year, Datavault AI expanded its collaboration with IBM and its watsonx platform, focused on tokenising data at the point of creation and converting raw inputs into authenticated, tradable digital assets in real time.

The mineral supply chain

The IEA highlights that rising geopolitical tensions, alongside export controls on key materials and technologies, are increasing supply chain risks.

While the agreement spans broad supply chain operations, the companies specifically reference offtake agreements – contracts in which a buyer commits to purchasing a defined share of future mineral output from a producer.

The platform is expected to support CPOs in strengthening supply chain resilience for critical minerals during a period of global instability.

This is particularly relevant given the concentration of mineral supply in China and surging demand from sectors such as semiconductors and electric vehicles.

The IEA reports that China accounted for around 60% of global mining output in 2024 and continues to dominate midstream and downstream battery supply chains, with shares exceeding 80% across many segments.

Procurement platform

The partnership is also set to underpin PSM’s wider procurement ecosystem, including a structured revolving procurement facility of up to US$20bn, operating via the International Elements Exchange.

John adds: “Together, we are creating a scalable platform designed to strengthen resilient supply chains for artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, defence, energy and advanced manufacturing while positioning the US as a leader in strategic metals infrastructure.”

The companies say the collaboration is intended to unlock diversified, recurring revenue streams through a range of institutional platform services.

Alongside reshaping procurement, the model is also geared towards generating software-driven revenues, with Datavault AI set to receive 25% of net distributable platform profits.

Reshaping the mineral market

Emerging technologies, particularly AI, are continuing to transform procurement.

Deloitte notes that generative AI can drive innovation by reimagining operations, enhancing sourcing strategies and enabling more proactive procurement while improving efficiency benchmarks.

The Datavault AI-PSM agreement aims to redefine how strategic minerals are sourced and managed.

Nathaniel T. Bradley, CEO of Datavault AI says: “This strategic partnership brings together physical strategic assets and on our institutional grade cyber secure digital infrastructure.

“By combining PSM’s critical minerals platform with Datavault AI’s patented RWA technology, we are building a framework to modernise how strategic commodities are financed, settled and managed.”