RECONNAISSANCE, PROSPECTING, AND EXPLORATION

In the context of mining, reconnaissance, prospecting, and exploration are three distinct stages in
the process of identifying and evaluating potential mineral or resource deposits. These stages differ
in terms of their objectives, methods, and the level of detail involved. Here are the key differences:
1. Reconnaissance:
• Objective: Reconnaissance is the initial and most preliminary stage of mineral
exploration. Its primary goal is to identify areas with potential mineral deposits.
• Methods: Reconnaissance involves general observations, geological mapping, and
the use of remote sensing techniques (e.g., satellite imagery, aerial photography). It
may also include historical data analysis and interviews with local residents.
• Level of Detail: Reconnaissance is a low-detail, broad-scale assessment that helps
narrow down areas for more detailed prospecting and exploration.
2. Prospecting:
• Objective: Prospecting builds upon the information gathered during reconnaissance
and aims to identify specific locations or targets within the previously identified
areas that may contain valuable mineral deposits.
• Methods: Prospecting involves more focused fieldwork and data collection, such
as geological sampling (e.g., soil samples, rock samples), geophysical surveys, and
geochemical analysis. It also includes drilling test holes and trenches to better
understand the subsurface geology.
• Level of Detail: Prospecting provides more detailed information about the
geological characteristics and mineral potential of specific areas or targets, but it is
still relatively broad compared to the final stage of exploration.
3. Exploration:
• Objective: Exploration is the most detailed and intensive stage of mineral
assessment. Its primary goal is to confirm the presence of economically viable
mineral deposits, assess their quantity and quality, and plan for potential mining
operations.
• Methods: Exploration involves drilling boreholes, conducting core sampling,
conducting detailed geophysical and geochemical surveys, and mineralogical

1
 analysis. It also includes assessing the economic feasibility of extraction and
estimating the mineral resource/reserve.
• Level of Detail: Exploration provides the highest level of detail, and its results are
used to make investment decisions, develop mining plans, and secure necessary
permits for mining operations.
In summary, reconnaissance is the initial and broadest stage of mineral assessment, prospecting
refines the search to specific targets within previously identified areas, and exploration is the most
detailed stage, focusing on confirming the presence of valuable mineral deposits and planning for
mining operations. These stages are progressive and typically require increasing levels of
investment, time, and expertise as the process advances.

"RESOURCE" AND "RESERVE"

In the context of mining and mineral exploration, "resource" and "reserve" are two important terms
that represent different levels of confidence and classification of mineral deposits. These terms are
used to estimate the quantity and quality of mineral resources in a particular area. Here's how they
relate to the stages of reconnaissance, prospecting, and exploration:
1. Resource:
• A mineral resource refers to the concentration of a mineral commodity within the
Earth's crust that has reasonable prospects for economic extraction.
• Resources are typically estimated and categorized in the earlier stages of
reconnaissance and prospecting, where the level of confidence in the existence and
quantity of the mineral deposit is still relatively low.
• Resource estimation is based on geological data, sampling, and preliminary
assessments, but it may not be detailed enough to confirm economic viability.
2. Reserve:
• A mineral reserve represents a higher level of confidence in the presence of a
valuable mineral deposit and its economic feasibility for extraction.
• Reserves are estimated during the exploration stage when detailed drilling,
sampling, and economic assessments have been conducted to confirm the viability
of mining.

2
 • Reserves are classified into proven reserves (with a high level of confidence) and
probable reserves (with a lower level of confidence). These classifications indicate
the likelihood of successful extraction.
In summary, "resource" and "reserve" are classifications of mineral deposits, with "resource" being
a broader and less certain category estimated in the earlier stages of exploration, while "reserve"
is a more precise and economically viable classification determined in the later stages of
exploration. The transition from resource to reserve occurs as more data is collected and
confidence in the deposit's quality and quantity increases. This distinction is essential for making
informed investment and mining decisions.