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Exploration

Exploration is the systematic search for economically viable mineral deposits or hydrocarbon reserves beneath the Earth's surface. It encompasses a range of geological, geophysical and geochemical techniques designed to identify areas with potential for commercial extraction. The process typically begins with desktop studies and regional surveys, progresses through ground-based investigations and sampling, and culminates in drilling programmes to confirm the presence, grade and extent of a resource. Exploration is a capital-intensive and high-risk activity, with only a small fraction of prospects advancing to development and production. In the mining sector, exploration is governed by regulatory frameworks that define rights, obligations and environmental standards, often administered through systems such as a mining cadastre. Successful exploration underpins the replenishment of reserves and the long-term sustainability of the extractive industries. It is a critical driver of economic growth in resource-rich regions, generating employment and attracting foreign investment. Companies engaged in exploration range from junior prospectors focused on early-stage discovery to major diversified miners maintaining pipeline projects. The sector is sensitive to commodity price cycles, technological advances in detection methods, and shifts in government policy. In South Africa, exploration activity has historically targeted gold, platinum-group metals, coal, diamonds and base metals, supported by the country's diverse geological endowment.

Exploration Updates


Anglo American senior VP corporate affairs South Africa Nevashnee Naicker.
Strong exploration system essential to mining’s future, Junior Indaba points out
9th June 2026 By: Martin Creamer

A strong and vibrant exploration system is essential to the future of the mining sector, and to advancing transformation, inclusion, and long-term growth in South Africa. In spelling this out at... 


Junior Indaba chairperson Bernard Swanepoel.
Africa must create conditions that allow investment to flourish, Junior Indaba hears
9th June 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Mining's future will not be built only by the largest companies. Even though major mining houses are economically critical, history has shown that discoveries are usually made by optimists,... 


AN image of a mining vehicle on a mine
Exploration boost required to meet production goal
8th May 2026 By: Nadine Ramdass

While Zambia’s mining sector is becoming significantly more active, with an expanding project pipeline and improved turnaround at existing operations, exploration activity must accelerate... 


Photo of Martin Creamer
On-The-Air (17/04/2026)
17th April 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Martin Creamer talks about N Cape investment, BHP workshops and Namibia's green hydrogen breakthrough. 


Photo of Martin Creamer.
On-the-air (03/04/2026)
3rd April 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Martin Creamer talks about mining exploration, platinum beneficiation and the hydrogen economy 


Minerals Council South Africa CEO Mzila Mthenjane
South Africa needs to reintroduce exploration into its mining DNA
1st April 2026 By: Schalk Burger

Exploration is the start of any mining value chain and increasing investment in exploration is fundamental to South Africa using its mineral resources to drive development of its industries and... 


De Beers Group COO Kevin Smith talks to Engineering News & Mining Weekly at Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town.
De Beers’ operational strength, partnerships and market recovery targeted by new COO
11th February 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

Newly appointed De Beers Group COO Kevin Smith says operational discipline, stronger partnerships and measured market recovery will be key focus areas in 2026, as the diamond major works to... 


Photo of Martin Creamer
South Africa simply must get going on the mining exploration front
6th February 2026 By: Martin Creamer

It’s extremely bad for the South African economy that it’s taking so long to get going on the mining exploration front. As is being pointed out around the resources world, mining success depends on... 


Feaver Group Logo
Delivering drilling solutions that perform where it matters
4th February 2026

In mining and exploration, performance is measured in outcomes — metres drilled, uptime maintained and programmes delivered safely and efficiently. In some of the world’s most demanding... 


A generic image of an open pit mine
Minerals Council pushes for structural reform acceleration
30th January 2026 By: Lumkile Nkomfe

This year must be one of decisive, demonstrable progress in stabilising energy supply, improving logistics performance and restoring regulatory efficiency as South Africa prepares to engage... 


Gold exploration surges 45% amid metal price boom — ABS
Gold exploration surges 45% amid metal price boom — ABS
1st December 2025 By: Creamer Media Reporter

Gold exploration spending in Australia has jumped 45% over the past year, with the September quarter showing the strongest levels since late 2023, new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics... 


A Mine site.
Optimism grows as Africa eyes new mining investment
28th November 2025 By: Devina Haripersad

The African mining industry is entering a new phase of optimism, with renewed investor interest and growing recognition of the continent’s role in global mineral supply chains, according to mining... 


AEMEE Annual Conference
MCA urges shift from contracts to co-ownership in Indigenous partnerships
11th November 2025 By: Creamer Media Reporter

The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has called for a shift in Indigenous economic participation, urging governments and resource companies to move “from contracts to capital” by supporting... 


Anglo American CEO Duncan Wanblad (right) with Joburg Indaba chairperson Bernard Swanepoel.
Anglo committed to investing R600m in junior exploration fund, Joburg Indaba hears
24th October 2025 By: Martin Creamer

On day one of the Joburg Indaba, Anglo American CEO Duncan Wanblad revealed commitment to invest R600-million in South Africa’s junior exploration fund as part of the Anglo Teck deal. Wanblad... 


Southern Palladium executive chairperson Roger Baxter
Exploration-driven mining revival would reignite industrialisation
24th October 2025 By: Terence Creamer

Rather than focusing narrowly on minerals beneficiation, South African policymakers have been urged to pay much closer attention to reigniting and expanding the market for the country’s already... 


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