As stated in our blog “8 Steps of Mineral Exploration,” mineral exploration is the process of seeking concentrated deposits of minerals for the purpose of mining these minerals for economic benefit.
In this article, we discuss some of the frequently asked questions about mineral exploration.
Where are the Best Places for Mineral Exploration?
If you’re at the beginning stages of mineral exploration, you may be wondering where—geographically—to start. While there’s no magic formula for finding a profitable deposit, there are some steps you should take when selecting areas for mineral exploration.
- Known deposits. Minerals tend to cluster, which means there is typically a higher probability of finding deposits somewhere nearby where other deposits were found, such as existing deposits or mine sites.
- Aeromagnetic surveys. Aeromagnetic surveys are another way to locate potential mineral deposits. These surveys, done through an airplane flying at low altitude, use a magnetic sensor to record the intensity of the magnetic field in a certain area.
- Satellite photos or maps. Satellite photos or maps are other ways to help determine potential areas to perform mineral exploration. Because satellite imaging can be performed in multiple bands, the interpretation of these wavelengths can be used to identify reflection and absorption properties to help interpret surface lithologies.
- Existing claims. Before you start a mineral exploration project, it is important to understand that all land may not be open to mineral rights. Private land, or restricted land such as nature sanctuaries are not available for mineral explorations. Instead, look for areas that do not have current active claims on them and that aren’t otherwise restricted.
DOES STAKING A CLAIM EQUAL THE RIGHT TO MINE?
Not necessarily. There are often regulations in place required before you can start mining your land claim. This may include receiving permits as well as understanding what type of mining is allowed and what type of mining is not allowed. For instance, mining using hand tools with activity that results in no or negligible disturbance of lands or resources may be allowed without a permit. However, there are often additional requirements if you want to use heavy equipment, build ponds or roads, use chemicals or explosives, or use suction dredges, etc. Read more about this subject on our blog “How to Stake a Mining Claim: What it is & How it Works.”
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MINERAL EXPLORATION?
There are several methods of mineral exploration, each with its unique set of benefits, applications, and limitations.
- Geophysical surveys. Geophysical surveys that investigate bedrock’s physical properties. This can be performed in the air, on the grounds, or using probes lowered into boreholes. Geophysical surveys use gravity, magnetic, electrical, seismic, and radiometric methods of distinguishing rock properties, which can be used to make an evaluative assessment of the area.
- Soil sampling. Soil sampling is another method of mineral exploration. In soil sampling, field crew workers secure and label samples of soil from strategic points across the target area. These samples are sent for analysis to look for concentrations of minerals that may be of interest to the prospector.
- Core drilling. Another method of mineral exploration is core drilling, which enables mapping of the bedrock at depth.
- Rock chip sampling. Rock chip sampling is another method of mineral exploration, in which a prospector or field crew will take rock chip samples from outcroppings in a target area.
FURTHER READING
If you are new to mineral exploration and would like to learn more about the process and its uses, explore some of our other mineral exploration blogs below:
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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