Mineral exploration is the first step in identifying potential new deposits that could be mined in the future. It involves searching for mineralization – rocks that contain a sufficiently high concentration of metals, such as copper, iron, nickel, gold, or uranium, that can be economically extracted.
Mineral exploration requires scientific knowledge of the Earth’s system, innovative technology, substantial investments and patience. Most exploration projects do not result in mining, but they often provide important insights into Sweden’s geology.
Source: SGU, “Introduction: Minerals & Ore Exploration,” https://www.sgu.se/en/itp308/knowledge-platform/1-introduction-minerals-ore-exporation/