Exploration
The systematic process of searching for mineral deposits through geological, geophysical, and geochemical methods.
Detailed Definition
Mineral exploration is the systematic search for economically viable mineral deposits. It involves progressively more detailed and expensive investigation methods, from regional reconnaissance to deposit-scale drilling programs.
Exploration stages
Reconnaissance (grassroots): - Regional geological mapping and literature review - Satellite imagery and remote sensing analysis - Stream sediment and soil geochemistry - Regional geophysical surveys - Target generation and ranking
Prospect evaluation: - Detailed geological mapping of targets - Systematic rock and soil sampling - Ground-based geophysical surveys - Trenching and surface excavation - Initial drilling (scout holes)
Advanced exploration: - Systematic diamond drilling programs - Detailed geological modeling - Resource estimation - Metallurgical testing - Preliminary economic assessment
Key exploration methods
Geological: - Mapping rock types, structures, and alteration - Identifying mineralization controls - Stratigraphic analysis
Geochemical: - Soil, rock, and stream sediment sampling - Laboratory analysis for target elements - Pathfinder element identification
Geophysical: - Magnetic surveys (detecting magnetic minerals) - Gravity surveys (density contrasts) - Electromagnetic surveys (conductivity) - Induced polarization (sulfide detection)
Drilling: - Diamond core drilling (NQ, HQ, PQ) - Reverse circulation (RC) drilling - Rotary air blast (RAB) drilling
Regulatory requirements: Exploration on public lands requires appropriate authorization (casual use, Notice, or Plan of Operations) depending on the level of surface disturbance.
Related Terms
Mineral Resource
A concentration of minerals with reasonable prospects for economic extraction, classified as inferred, indicated, or measured.
Assay
A chemical test performed on ore or rock samples to determine the concentration of valuable minerals.
Core Sample
A cylindrical rock sample obtained by diamond drilling, used to analyze subsurface geology and mineral content.
Prospecting
The physical search for mineral deposits on public or private lands, including surface examination, sampling, and preliminary exploration.