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8 STEPS OF MINERAL
EXPLORATION
by Brian Goss | Mar 9, 2022 | Mineral Exploration
Mineral exploration is the process of seeking concentrated deposits
of minerals for the purpose of mining these minerals for economic
benefit.

HOW IS MINERAL EXPLORATION DONE?

While the exact process of mineral exploration depends on the area,
team, and resources, mineral exploration typically follows a
sequence of about 8 general phases from discovery to production.
1. LOCATE POTENTIAL DEPOSITS
One of the first steps of mineral exploration is to locate areas that
are likely to yield mineral deposits. Since mineral deposits tend to
form in clusters, prospective areas may be near other areas of
known mineralization or near existing mine sites. They may also be
identified with aeromagnetic surveys, satellite photos, or detailed
maps.

2. CLAIM STAKING AND PERMITTING

Prospectors must ensure the prospective area is open to mining and
that no existing claims are placed on the land. After this research is
conducted, the prospector will likely stake a claim on a potential
mineral site. Learn more about claim staking here.

3. SURFACE EXPLORATION
Next, prospectors will map outcrops and showings and search for
indicator minerals. This provides early geological sampling and
analysis. The goal of this stage of mineral exploration is to identify
areas with “clues” that mineral deposits may be present in the area.

4. EARLY-STAGE EXPLORATION
After a claim has been filed, prospectors will begin early stages of
mineral exploration. This typically includes geophysical studies such
as gravitational, magnetic, and electromagnetic surveys. The
purpose of these surveys is to find anomalies or indicators that
mineral deposits may be present.
Early-stage mineral exploration may also include rock and soil
sampling, analyzing data from previous exploration, and conducting
surface mapping. The purpose of this stage of mineral exploration is
to increase confidence about the potential project’s viability. It will
also identify drill targets if mineral exploration continues past this
stage.

5. CORE DRILLING
After a certain level of confidence is attained, core drilling will take
place to prove and analyze mineral deposits. Core drilling refers to
drilling a small diameter of rock (called core) from the earth. These
holes may be drilled up to tens, hundreds, or even thousands of
meters. This core is logged, then analyzed for prospective minerals.
Core samples are submitted to an assay lab to measure how much
metal is in the rock.

6. RESOURCE MODELING
If initial core drilling results are positive, additional drilling often
takes place to create more definitive resource modeling and resource
estimates. Often, this follow-up drilling is used to develop a 3D
resource model of where deposits may be located underground.

7. DE-RISKING
Mining requires a significant amount of investment and resources,
which is why further tests and assessments are typically completed
at this stage of mineral exploration. These tests and assessments
may include:

 Additional follow-up drilling

 Metallurgical tests
 Environmental assessments
 Risk assessment
 Resource modeling
 Mine design and strategy
 Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA)
 Feasibility Study
The purpose of this stage of mineral exploration is to collect and
analyze granular data, accurately mapping the deposit(s) for
economical and viability estimates, and ultimately informing a final
production decision.

8. PRODUCTION DECISION
After enough data is collected, a production decision will be made. If
the project moves forward, this is the stage where the mine will be
designed, constructed, and mining will begin!

FINAL THOUGHTS
Putting together the right team for your mineral exploration process
is key to improving your chances of success, collecting quality data,
and mitigating risk. To learn more about how Rangefront can help
support your project, please reach out and speak with a mining
expert today.
Talk to an Expert

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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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RECENT POSTS
 How Much Does Staking a Mining Claim Cost? Updated for
September 2024
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