Page 69 - Introduction to Mineral Exploration

52 C.J. MOON & M.K.G. WHATELEY
4

Reconnaissance

Exploration

Charles J. Moon and Michael K.G. Whateley

Exploration can be divided into a number of in- phases cover the stages leading to the selection
terlinked and sequential stages which involve of an area for detailed ground work; this is usu-
increasing expenditure and decreasing risk (Fig. ally the point at which land is acquired. The
4.1). The terminology used to describe these planning stage covers the selection of commod-
stages is highly varied. The widely accepted ity, type of deposit, exploration methods, and
terms used for the early stages of exploration the setting up of an exploration organization.
are planning and reconnaissance phases. These The process of selecting drill targets within

Key decision node Feasibility
Study Mine
EXPENDITURE – LOGARITHMIC SCALE Regional Selection Prefeasibility production
Rate of expenditure

initiation
Study
HIGH RISK

Area

DECREASING
Selection

Reconn- RISK Decommiss-
Conceptual Detailed Target Exploration Assessment Mine
aissance Mining ioning and
planning planning appraisal drilling drilling develop.
exploration rehabilitation
Literature Literature sensing, Geochem, metallurgical Test mining Production
Remote
Pilot
ACTIVITY field visit geochem, geophysics, studies metallurgical overburden
review
shaft,
and
review
ground
regional
decline or
mapping,
studies
airborne
geophysics surveying removal
FIG. 4.1 Stages of an exploration project. (Modified from Eimon 1988.)