Phase 1: Assessment of Potential
- The first step in the exploration process is to determine if the area has the potential to contain the minerals sought. This phase involves a review of available information on the area, such as previous mining history, government geological maps, satellite images and often the inspection of rocks in easily accessible areas such as road cuts and quarries. Once the geologist has determined that the area has some potential, local communities are consulted and the impact of future exploration and mining on the environment is discussed and carefully assessed.
Phase 2: Target Identification
- If an area receives a favorable assessment, geologists commence with the process of target identification. This may involve airborne geophysical surveys looking for areas that are either more or less magnetic or conductive than the surrounding rock. These are called anomalies. This phase may also involve sampling stream sediments, soils or rocks to identify areas with anomalously high metal content. It may simply involve geological mapping to identify rocks which look like those that are associated with, or contain mineral deposits elsewhere in the world. During this phase it is crucial that title or access to the mineral rights and the permission of the landholders to enter upon their land is obtained.
Phase 3: Target Testing
- Positive results from target identification may result in drill testing. This phase is known as target testing and usually involves using a drill rig to obtain core or chips of the material below the earth’s surface which can be examined and analyzed. This provides clues to the nature and abundance of subsurface minerals and how they relate to those on the surface.
Phase 4: Evaluation Phase
- If the minerals sought are present in amounts likely to be worth mining, the prospect passes into what is known as the evaluation phase. This involves detailed drilling to confirm the tonnage, grade, geometry and character of deposits. It usually involves obtaining material for processing and marketing trials. This phase also involves significant input from landholders, local communities and government departments to determine how the benefits of a mine can be maximized for all and how the impact can be minimized. Their input is vital in creating a mine that is environmentally acceptable and has long term benefits for the community. Kennecott Exploration geologists strive to do their work with minimum disturbance to the land and the community. Wherever possible we employ local people and use local supplies.
Phase 5: Mine Development
- Less than one in a thousand of the targets identified becomes a mine. Each step in the exploration process is accompanied by an increase in cost and an increase in time spent to complete it.