Exploration activity is the first step in starting a mining operation. Mining exploration, or mineral exploration, is the process of gathering geological information and analysing it to identify the location of mineral deposits and to assess whether it is economically feasible to extract these minerals: that is, whether the cost of extraction is greater than the worth of the minerals.
The rewards of successful exploration efforts, however, are usually significant when a sizable mineral deposit is developed into a mine. For the mining company that undertook the effort it results in increased profits but there are also benefits for the community and country where the mineral deposit is located. It can result in well paid employment, new infrastructure (such as roads, railways and power stations) and increased government tax revenues which can be used to benefit the community as a whole.