Prospecting

Prospecting is the first stage of the geological analysis (followed by <a href="/facts/Mining_engineering/VEAosBGK">exploration</a>) of a territory. It is the search for <a href="/facts/Mineral/LkUFbNmv">minerals</a>, <a href="/facts/Fossil/by7NzIA1">fossils</a>, precious metals, or mineral specimens. It is also known as <a href="/facts/Fossicking/RqIskB73">fossicking</a>.
Traditionally prospecting relied on direct observation of mineralization in rock outcrops or in sediments. Modern prospecting also includes the use of geologic, <a href="/facts/Geophysics/ywVQ1sAQ">geophysical</a>, and <a href="/facts/Geochemistry/05094gDu">geochemical</a> tools to search for anomalies which can narrow the search area. Once an anomaly has been identified and interpreted to be a potential prospect direct observation can then be focused on this area.
In some areas a prospector must also stake a claim, meaning they must erect posts with the appropriate placards on all four corners of a desired land they wish to prospect and register this claim before they may take samples. In other areas publicly held lands are open to prospecting without staking a mining claim.

Prospecting open-in-new

Prospecting