Mining exploration is the process of exploring and prospecting for minerals or metals using several techniques. There are different kinds of techniques for exploration like surface mining, borehole mining, sub-surface mining, river dredging, beach mining, and water extraction, among others. The location, type, size, thickness, and type of minerals to be found and the cost thereof determines the methods for exploration. The price and volume of minerals may influence the technique selected for exploration. The kind of business and the possibility for returns vary with the technique selected for mining exploration.
Techniques for exploration depend upon the kind of minerals to be discovered and the existing technological and economic conditions at the time of exploration. Techniques used for mineral exploration change as technology develops and new methods are developed.
Drilling and pumping are the two most common techniques used in mining. Drilling involves breaking up the rocks so that the valuable minerals are accessible. Picking, digging, and cutting are the other techniques of mining.