What methods are used in mineral exploration?

Methods vary depending on the stage of the project:

  • Geological mapping – identification and interpretation of rock types, structures, and mineralization
  • Geophysical measurements – such as (electro-)magnetic, conductivity/resistivity, gravity and seismic surveys
  • Geochemical sampling – analysis of soil, water, vegetation, and rock to detect metal concentrations or geochemical signatures which can direct you towards mineralization
  • Drilling – core or percussion drilling is used to investigate subsurface geology
  • Remote sensing and digital tools – drones, satellite images, and AI are increasingly used to process geodata and build 3D models

Source: SGU, “Exploration”, https://www.sgu.se/mineralnaring/svensk-gruvnaring/prospektering/