Exploration
How deposits are found, drilled, sampled and turned into a resource estimate, and how to read the technical record without being a geologist.
- Deposit typesOre deposits form in a handful of recognisable ways. The deposit type tells you what size, grade, shape and mining method to expect.3 min read
- Exploration methodsBefore drilling, explorers narrow down where to look with mapping, geochemistry, geophysics and remote sensing. Each method finds different clues.2 min read
- DrillingDrilling is the only way to see what is below the surface. Different drill types, programmes and hole spacings serve different purposes.4 min read
- Sampling, assaying and quality controlHow drill core becomes a grade, and the checks that prove the numbers can be trusted.2 min read
- How to read drill results and interceptsA drill result such as 42.0 m at 2.31 g/t gold is a length, a grade and a position. This article shows what each part means, what the headline leaves out, and which questions to ask.4 min read
- From drill holes to a resource estimateHow geologists turn scattered drill holes into a 3D model of tonnes and grade, and the choices that move the result.2 min read
- Resources and reservesResources measure what is in the ground and how confidently. Reserves are the part that a study shows can be mined at a profit.2 min read
- Reporting codes and the qualified personPublic mining companies must report resources and reserves under a recognised code, signed by a qualified person. This article explains the codes and what they guarantee.2 min read
- Historical and legacy dataOld drilling and estimates can save years and millions of dollars, but they must be verified before anyone relies on them.2 min read
- Red flags in exploration reportsThe warning signs that an exploration announcement or report is incomplete, selective or promotional, and the questions to ask.2 min read