Basics of Mineral Exploration

Mineral exploration efforts are accelerating around the world, while burgeoning industrial needs and increased needs for newer, lesser mined metals continue to grow. In this article, we discuss some of the basics of mineral exploration, including answering “What is mineral exploration?” as well as discussing the lifecycle of mineral exploration, and the qualities of successful mineral exploration projects.

What is Mineral Exploration?

Mineral exploration is the process of seeking concentrated deposits of minerals for the purpose of mining for economic benefit. Mineral exploration encompasses all of the activities leading up to the actual decision to mine, from initial reconnaissance exploration to geophysical testing, data accumulation and analysis, to modeling, reporting, and informing a production decision.

Mineral exploration includes the search for ores from which metals may be extracted (such as iron, copper, lithium or zinc), industrial raw materials (such as limestone, sulfur, or salts), gemstones (such as diamonds, agate, or opals), or solid fuels (such as coal or uranium), but doesn’t include liquid or gaseous fuels.

The process of mineral exploration includes many steps and is typically cyclical, requiring some trial and error to discover a successful deposit, with some prospectors taking years to find a beneficial deposit–or never finding an economical deposit at all. The mineral exploration projects that are most successful have a strong team with effective processes and expert interpretation of data sets.

What is the Purpose of Mineral Exploration?

The primary purpose of mineral exploration is to identify locations with sufficient mineral deposits, including metals like gold, silver, copper, and iron, or industrial minerals like gypsum, limestone, and potash. Mineral exploration is used to justify the investment needed for mining operations.

However, there are additional outcomes or goals of mineral explorations, such as:

1. Economic Development: Successful mineral exploration leads to the development of mines, which can significantly contribute to local and national economies through job creation, infrastructure development, and increased economic activity.
2. Supply Chain Security: By identifying and developing domestic sources of minerals, countries can reduce their dependence on foreign suppliers, enhancing their economic and strategic security.
3. Technological Advancements: Minerals are critical for various technological applications. For example, rare earth elements are essential for manufacturing electronics, batteries, and renewable energy technologies.
4. Industrial Uses: Minerals are used in a wide range of industrial applications, from construction materials (e.g., sand, gravel, and limestone) to chemical production (e.g., sulfur, phosphates).
5. Energy Production: Exploration for coal, oil, and gas falls under a broader definition of mineral exploration. These energy resources are vital for powering industries, homes, and transportation systems.

How Often is Mineral Exploration Successful?

While there are no actual statistics stating the success of mineral exploration projects that lead to successful mine development, it is thought to be somewhere around 1 in 1000 mineral discoveries being developed into a mine.

The reason it is difficult to come to an actual number is because most surface or near-surface resources have been explored, making new mineral resourcing reliant on more sophisticated prospecting and exploration techniques. The low number, however, does not necessarily imply low mineral potential. Factors such as incorrect geological theories, poor infrastructure, governmental policies and more can impact the perception of minerals in an area.

For instance, in Essentials of Mineral Exploration and Evaluation by S.M. Gandhi and B.C. Sarkar, they reference diamond discoveries in Northwest Canadian territories. “There were no known occurrence of ‘kimberlite pipe’ (host of diamonds) although geology was known to be favorable. But once the kimberlite pipes were discovered, the area attracted many exploration teams and led to significant resources.”

The process of mineral exploration is a lengthy one. The typical timeframe between initial exploration and production is typically 12-15 years.

What Does the Mineral Exploration Process Look Like?

The mineral exploration process involves several key stages:

1. Preliminary Research: Identifying potential areas through geological data review, remote sensing, and initial sampling.
2. Exploration: Discovering mineral deposits via detailed mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveys, and drilling.
3. Resource Evaluation: Assessing deposit size, grade, and economic viability through infill drilling, metallurgical testing, and resource modeling.
4. Feasibility Study and Development: Planning mine development, securing financing, and obtaining permits.
5. Construction and Mining: Building infrastructure and starting mineral extraction and processing.
6. Production and Operations: Sustaining extraction and processing while managing environmental impacts and ensuring safety.
7. Closure and Rehabilitation: Safely closing the mine, restoring the site, and supporting community transition.
8. Post-Closure Monitoring: Ensuring long-term environmental stability and addressing any residual issues.

Each stage is crucial for the successful and sustainable development of mineral resources.

Acceleration of Mineral Exploration Activities Worldwide

Activities surrounding mineral exploration are accelerating in recent years. There are multiple reasons for this increase including:

1. Growing demand for metals that were not previously sought or mined
2. Increasing industrial output, with global demand for industrial commodities on a steep rise
3. New ore types
4. Improved geological knowledge and exploration technology

Greenfield vs. Brownfield Mineral Exploration

There are two types of mineral exploration: brownfield and greenfield. Brownfield refers to areas in the vicinity of an existing mine site or known mineral deposit. Since mineral deposits form in clusters, these brownfield sites are highly sought after. Greenfield projects refer to those that have not had previous exploration work and are not near known mineral deposits. These are considered riskier as they often require more resources to discover economically beneficial deposits.

What Makes Mineral Exploration Successful?

Successful mineral exploration relies on a comprehensive understanding of geology, advanced technologies, and a skilled team. An in-depth knowledge of regional geology, mineral deposit models, and historical data helps identify promising areas for exploration. Utilizing state-of-the-art geophysical, geochemical, and remote sensing technologies allows for accurate detection of mineral anomalies. A team with expertise in geology, engineering, environmental science, and project management is crucial for effective exploration and evaluation.

Efficient data management, sufficient funding, and environmental and social considerations are also essential components of successful mineral exploration. Proper collection, analysis, and interpretation of data enable informed decision-making and refinement of exploration targets. Adequate financial resources support extensive and prolonged exploration activities, including drilling and sampling. Conducting thorough environmental and social impact assessments and engaging with local communities ensure sustainable and socially responsible exploration practices.

Adherence to regulations, effective risk management, and strategic collaborations also play vital roles in successful mineral exploration. Complying with local, national, and international regulations and obtaining necessary permits are crucial for legal exploration activities. Identifying and mitigating geological, financial, and operational risks throughout the exploration process helps prevent potential setbacks. Forming partnerships with other companies, research institutions, and local stakeholders can share knowledge and resources, reducing risks and enhancing exploration success. Continuous innovation and adaptability to changing conditions and new information further contribute to the effective discovery and development of economically viable mineral deposits.

LEARN MORE

Do you have questions about the mineral exploration process or would you like to learn more about the mineral exploration services offered by Rangefront? Learn more by clicking the button below.

This article was originally published in March 2023 and was updated June 2024 for information, accuracy, and completeness.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

BRIAN GOSS

President, Rangefront Mining Services

Brian Goss brings over 20 years of experience in gold and mineral exploration. He is the founder and President of Rangefront, a premier geological services and mining consulting company that caters to a large spectrum of clients in the mining and minerals exploration industries. Brian is also a director of Lithium Corp. (OTCQB: LTUM), an exploration stage company specializing in energy storage minerals and from 2014 to 2017, he fulfilled the role of President and Director of Graphite Corp. (OTCQB: GRPH), an exploration stage that specialized in the development of graphite properties. Prior to founding Rangefront, Brian worked as a staff geologist for Centerra Gold on the REN project, as well as various exploration and development projects in the Western United States and Michigan. Brian Goss holds a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Geology from Wayne State University in Michigan.

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