Exploration
All mining begins with exploration. But the hunt for high-grade ore actually begins already in the office.
Exploration is about collecting information about the bedrock. Through the geological history of the area, it is possible to map the mineral composition of the rock. After promising assessments of the bedrock data, the investigations proceed to test drilling.
This first phase of investigation can last for several years and it is not uncommon for the process leading up to mine planning to continue for several decades. Companies that conduct mining operations often have exploration permits for exploration that run in parallel.
Via the link below, Copperstone’s geologists talk about their work.