Fundamental attributes for success

in mineral exploration
Jean Britz

An update on the article: Please be aware that I have not written this article and therefore
my reference "Words from a wise Exploration Geologist" with which I opened the article
since I could not trace the author's name. As per the feedback I have received it has
become evident that the wise Exploration Geologist" is Erik Ronald, Director at Mining
Geology HQ.

Words from a wise Exploration Geologist:

1. Discovery-focused culture
It may sound like a chapter from an introductory MBA course, but setting company or
exploration team culture is probably the most critical. A discovery-focused culture means
supportive and strategically oriented management, openness to challenge geologic/deposit
dogma, acceptance that "dry" holes will be frequent but beneficial, willingness to "have a
go", and passion for geology. It's rare to find all of these traits in an exploration team
these days due to budget constraints, a "what have you done for me lately" attitude in
companies, or a few toxic personalities which can quickly erode a team.

2. Good science
I'm not talking about loading a team full of PhD's of obscure academic topics. I'm talking
about having sound knowledge of all aspects of geology, understanding mining
constraints, economics, metallurgy, and being able to apply the scientific method of
formulating a hypothesis, experimenting, testing, analyzing and repeating.

3. Diverse team
I've found that the more diverse the team, the more diverse the theories, ideas, and
solutions that will be generated. An exploration team composed of both deposit experts
and multi-commodity experience will nearly always produce better results than a room full
of commodity-specific people. Additionally, people from different schools, countries,
cultures and even an equal mix of male/female will typically result in more varied and
diverse ideas.

4. Drill
As much as I'm a fan of geophysics, obscure chemical analyses, and the latest 3D
software (all of which areuseful!), ore bodies are found by drilling. Typically lots and lots
of drilling. If your ore body had a surface expression, chances are it was found sometime
between the ancient Egyptians to the early 1980's. Unfortunately, these days we tend to
be hunting in covered or complex areas which require healthy drill budgets. It may be
1000 aircore holes or 1000 deep diamond drill core holes but either way, you must drill to
find.

5. Separation from the "corporate" culture

The corporate culture of today is littered with business improvement, short-term quarterly
focus, cost optimization, KPI targets, and a general culture of endless meetings with little
action. These aspects have merits in particular industries but they tend to hinder creativity
and the long-term thinking required for exploration success. LEAN and its cousin six-sigma
are wonderful productivity tools if you're say, Toyota or making washing machines. These
tools do not foster creative thought. Additionally, when your KPI focus is on maximizing
productivity or drill meters or costs...that's what you'll get, not the next discovery.
Exploration is more equivalent to mining R&D. Letting creative, curious, and scientifically
minded people work on their own terms tend to yield better results. If you're in doubt, just
go ask Google, Airbnb or Uber.

6. People who have made discoveries before, will likely do it

again
There's not too much to say here other than if you work with one of these people, listen
to what they have to say! Certain human beings possess the unique combination of
intelligence, intuition, passion and luck. Others do not.

7. Ability to leave your ego at the door

There's nothing wrong with being proud of your experience, education or career. The
problem arises when you think that awkward graduate summer student or driller can't
teach you anything. Realize the old adage of "the geologist who sees the most rocks
wins", so go visit the rock quarry down the road to learn more about the geology, do as
many site visits as possible and always keep an open mind. This is all about the ability to
learn, work with others, and realize every single person you meet or every mine you visit
can teach you something, if you're willing to listen.