ABSTRACT
Exploration is the search for new mineral wealth. It acts in concert with technologic change and other factors to augment mineral supply. Geologic mapping, geochemical sampling, geophysical surveys, diamond drilling, and other exploration activities provide information about unknown resources. This information helps identify mineral deposits, thereby generating new mineral reserves. The new reserves provide ore for smelting and refining operations, which in turn provide unfinished metal to fabricators, who fashion products used ultimately by metal consumers. Exploration influences the availability and prices of minerals, the geographic location of mining and processing, and the international flow of minerals among producing and consuming countries.
