What are the different stages in mineral exploration?
Where a project fits on the spectrum of exploration and development is in part a matter of judgment exercised by Management. Early stage exploration – grass roots prospecting, mapping, analysis of regional and site geology, soil, trenching and chip sampling, staking of claims Intermediate stage exploration – exploration continues, including bulk sampling, soil chemistry, geophysical surveys and analysis with diamond or RC drilling as appropriate Advanced, late stage exploration – full-scale bulk sampling, mineral assessment establishes resource development potential, scoping or pre-feasibility study completed or nearing completion, environmental baseline research and assessment in progress Early development – bulk sampling/test mining, on-site testing of processing technology for throughput and mineral recovery; decision made to proceed with pre- or feasibility study in progress or completed, scoping of environmental assessment and permitting completed and necessary steps initiated Dev
