Mineral exploration is the process of seeking concentrated deposits of minerals for the purpose of

mining these minerals for economic benefit.

HOW IS MINERAL EXPLORATION DONE?

While the exact process of mineral exploration depends on the area, team, and resources, mineral
exploration typically follows a sequence of about 8 general phases from discovery to production.

1. LOCATE POTENTIAL DEPOSITS ------- = 25,000 Birr

One of the first steps of mineral exploration is to locate areas that are likely to yield mineral deposits.
Since mineral deposits tend to form in clusters, prospective areas may be near other areas of known
mineralization or near existing mine sites if there are.

2. CLAIM STAKING AND PERMITTING-------- = 25.000 Birr

Prospectors must ensure the prospective area is open to mining and that no existing claims are placed
on the land. After this research is conducted, the prospector will likely stake a claim on a potential
mineral site. Learn more about claim staking here.

3. SURFACE EXPLORATION----------------- = 30,000 Birr

Next, prospectors will map outcrops and showings and search for indicator minerals. This provides early
geological sampling and analysis. The goal of this stage of mineral exploration is to identify areas with
“clues” that mineral deposits may be present in the area.

4. EARLY-STAGE EXPLORATION------------- = 50,000 Birr

After a claim has been filed, prospectors will begin early stages of mineral exploration. This typically
includes geophysical studies such as gravitational, magnetic, and electromagnetic surveys. The purpose
of these surveys is to find anomalies or indicators that mineral deposits may be present.

Early-stage mineral exploration may also include rock and soil sampling, analyzing data from previous
exploration, and conducting surface mapping. The purpose of this stage of mineral exploration is to
increase confidence about the potential project’s viability. It will also identify drill targets if mineral
exploration continues past this stage.

5. CORE DRILLING = OPEN PIT----------- = 50,000

After a certain level of confidence is attained, core drilling will take place to prove and analyze mineral
deposits. Core drilling refers to drilling a small diameter of rock (called core) from the earth. These holes
may be drilled up to tens, hundreds, or even thousands of meters. This core is logged, then analyzed for
prospective minerals. Core samples are submitted to an assay lab to measure how much metal is in the
rock.

6. RESOURCE MODELING---------------- = 50,000 Birr

If initial core drilling results are positive, additional drilling often takes place to create more definitive
resource modeling and resource estimates. Often, this follow-up drilling is used to develop a 3D
resource model of where deposits may be located underground.

7. DE-RISKING

Mining requires a significant amount of investment and resources, which is why further tests and
assessments are typically completed at this stage of mineral exploration. These tests and assessments
may include:

Additional follow-up drilling

Metallurgical tests

Environmental assessments

Risk assessment

Resource modeling

Mine design and strategy

Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA)

Feasibility Study

The purpose of this stage of mineral exploration is to collect and analyze granular data, accurately
mapping the deposit(s) for economical and viability estimates, and ultimately informing a final
production decision.

8. PRODUCTION DECISION

After enough data is collected, a production decision will be made. If the project moves forward, this is
the stage where the mine will be designed, constructed, and mining will begin!
Final Thoughts

Putting together the right team for your mineral exploration process is key to improving your chances of
success, collecting quality data, and mitigating risk. To learn more about how Rangefront can help
support your project, please reach out and speak with a mining expert today!