Geophysical companies use magnetic, electromagnetic, and radiometric surveys, either on the ground or in an airborne survey, to identify potential mineral deposits.

Mineral exploration uses airborne geophysical surveys to map exposed bedrock and geological structures. It also maps paleochannels, mineral deposits, salinity, and subsurface conductors. Aeromagnetics and radiometric are among the airborne geophysical techniques used to map mineral deposits. Most airborne geophysical surveys also include a digital elevation model. Gravity surveys are also possible from the air and richard william warke on the ground.

Geophysical ground surveys can be carried out by mining companies once they have located potential deposits on a regional level. They are conducted from the surface of the earth, using boreholes and excavations, or combining sources and detectors. Mineral exploration is the process of drilling into ore deposit sites and possible locations to obtain rock chips and core samples.

The drilling program is designed based on the results of geological, geophysical, and geochemical surveys that identified the areas as potential deposit targets. It is important to get detailed information on rock types, minerals, rock fabrics, and relationships between rock layers at the surface as well as deep.

The samples are sent to the laboratory where geologists will analyze the sample by chemical analysis and perform petrological, structural, and mineralogical studies on the rock. The exploration objective is to locate the ore, and drilling and sample collection will give information on which to estimate its grade and quantity.

The assays from samples taken in drill holes are used to estimate the grade of the ore. The accuracy of estimates depends on how well samples are obtained, on what judgment is used to decide on sample intervals, on assaying accuracy, on the weighting and combining of assays for average grades, as well as on the treatment given to erratic values.

Minerals are not evenly distributed and vary in purity, so the assays for individual samples can be very different. The companies must consider the potential socio-economic impacts of the new mine on the surrounding area.

The mining activities such as prospecting, exploring, construction, operations, maintenance, expansions, abandonment, and decommissioning can have a positive or negative impact on social and environmental systems. Environmental and social assessments must be integrated into mining projects.

The process involves identifying, analyzing, and evaluating potential social and environmental impacts, as well as designing management and implementation plans that are appropriate for all phases of the mining cycle. The exploration phase is the time when miners can estimate the size of deposits using a 2D or a 3D model of geological ore.