These posts expand on specific topics, processes and activities conducted during the exploration, and development phase. Note: These posts are part of the Mining Investor Toolkit, online version.
Exploration is how we find metals and minerals. We discover the mines of tomorrow by investing in exploration. Investors need an understanding of the tools and techniques used, as these insights will help conduct due diligence and research. Today, let's talk about geophysical methods: Global exploration budgets rose 16% and a nine-year high of $13.01 … Continue reading Exploration methods: Geophysics 101
Mining investors know that grade is crucial, yet not simple. Because what's high for copper porphyry may be low for vein systems and so on. Hence, here is your primer on grades by mineralisation/deposit type and its associated widths/thickness. First, types of deposits* can be classified as: Hydrothermal: Porphyry, VMS, SEDEX, meso & epithermal, etc … Continue reading Grades by mineral deposit types
Once an exploration project is advanced enough, economic studies are conducted to assess its viability in both current and near-future market conditions. It allows comparison with other projects. And the key unknowns become known. Here are the 12 main outputs from these studies to help you research any project for your portfolio Here we go: … Continue reading Main outputs from economic studies
Copper is crucial for decarbonisation, yet we've been underinvesting for over a decade. To be copper-ready we must step up. Here's the skinny on porphyry deposits to help you take advantage of this lifetime opportunity. Today I'll cover some copper porphyry basics including: characteristics location grades tonnage must & nice to haves mining methods size … Continue reading Copper porphyries explained
Here are 'Mineral deposit types 101' (plus why you, as an investor, should care): Let's define mineral deposit: A body of rock that hosts a 'HIGH concentration'* of valuable minerals that may be extracted at a profit, given current technology and reasonable metal prices. *aka grade, is a moving target. We'll get back to that … Continue reading Deposit types explained, from porphyries to sedimentary
Drilling is the most significant exploration method in mining. But all drilling is not created equal. Here's your quick guide to drilling, to help you understand reports and news releases: Let's start with definitions. Drilling is simultaneously a geological and a geochemical exploration tool, where rock is recovered from beneath the surface for examination and … Continue reading Exploration methods: Drilling 101
Knowing the difference between the variety of economic studies used in mining and metals is crucial to any investor. Here's my 'Economic Studies 101', to help you predict how these could impact your investments: Let's get classification out of the way. There are 4 buckets: Scoping, preliminary economic assessment or PEA Preliminary feasibility or Pre-feasibility … Continue reading Economic Studies and how they can guide your stock selection
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