Minerals exploration explained

Resources Victoria has released the first instalment of a video series helping to explain important and sometimes misunderstood aspects of the state’s resources sector.

Resources Victoria has released the first instalment of a video series helping to explain important and sometimes misunderstood aspects of the state’s resources sector.

Minerals exploration and mining are often confused. Though both are essential stages along the path to developing a resource, the process and scale are very different.

In Minerals Exploration Explained we asked a Victorian minerals explorer to outline in their own words what they do, the techniques they use, how they select a site and how it is restored.

Mineral explorers use low-impact methods to understand local geology and look for evidence of minerals over a large area, then typically focus activities on a smaller zone. It typically involves mapping, water and soil sample testing, surveying the ground from the surface or air and targeted drilling.

If an exploration licence is granted and a commercially viable deposit identified, a separate process toward mining would involve environmental assessment and extensive local engagement.

Visit our Understanding minerals exploration page for more information.

Quotes attributable to Resources Victoria CEO Matt Vincent

“Much of regional Victoria is subject to a minerals exploration licence so we wanted to produce something to help explain the process and be clear it’s very different to mining.”

“Exploration is about confirming what minerals may be present in an area and whether development is a commercial option – the vast majority of exploration activity in Victoria does not lead to mining.”

“In this new video a minerals explorer outlines what they do, their techniques, how they select a site and how it is restored – visit resources.vic.gov.au/exploration to see the video and learn more about the process.”

Contact: Mark Farrugia

Phone: 0438 874 293