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
Minerals Council welcomes fiscal progress, calls for accelerated structural reforms
By: Martin Creamer 21st October 2026 The Minerals Council South Africa welcomes the commitment in the 2026 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) to fiscal sustainability and... →
Strong exploration system essential to mining’s future, Junior Indaba points out
By: Martin Creamer 9th June 2026 A strong and vibrant exploration system is essential to the future of the mining sector, and to advancing transformation, inclusion, and long-term... →
Africa must create conditions that allow investment to flourish, Junior Indaba hears 
By: Martin Creamer 9th June 2026 Mining's future will not be built only by the largest companies. Even though major mining houses are economically critical, history has shown that... →
Anglo committed to investing R600m in junior exploration fund, Joburg Indaba hears
By: Martin Creamer 8th October 2025 On day one of the Joburg Indaba, Anglo American CEO Duncan Wanblad revealed commitment to invest R600-million in South Africa’s junior exploration... →
To reclaim global mining status, South Africa must restore trust – Paul Miller 
By: Martin Creamer 2nd April 2025 If South Africa wants to reclaim its position in the global mining industry, half-measures just won’t cut it. The Department of Mineral and... →
SA: Gwede Mantashe: Address by Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, at the 4th Southern African Oil and Gas Conference, Century City, Cape Town (20/03/2025)
20th March 2025 Allow me a short diversion from today’s topic to reflect on recent developments where our National Treasury delivered the 2025 Budget under the... →
Gold Fields boosts free cash, uplifts dividend, outlines South Deep renewables outlook
By: Martin Creamer 20th February 2025 Johannesburg- and New York-listed Gold Fields on Thursday, February 20, delivered an attributable profit of $1 245-million for the year to the end... →
Adding value to metals and minerals in Africa emphasised as a must at Mining Indaba
By: Martin Creamer 3rd February 2025 Investing in African Mining Indaba presenters on Monday spoke repeatedly of the need for Africa to add value to its metals and minerals on the... →
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