Exploration is the riskiest stage of the mineral development cycle. Out of every 10,000 identified mineral prospects, only about 10% will lead to a drilling program (1 in 10), and just 0.01% (1 in 10,000) will lead to a new mine.
As a result, attracting capital to help finance exploration projects can be challenging, whether the exploration agent is a prospector, mineral exploration company or the exploration division of a mining company. Once a discovery has been made, additional resources are required to help develop a deposit and move into production.
Mineral exploration begins and ends with financing. PDAC undertakes a wide range of activities to help companies finance mineral exploration in Canada and abroad.