KAT Exploration Inc (KATX)

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Detailed Exploration

Once a claim has been staked, the exploration program will move forward to determine if there is a mineral occurrence worth further investigation. Based on the results of its initial prospecting work, the company will decide whether to continue with more detailed exploration.

Many mineral deposits are not exposed at the surface of the earth, but are buried beneath soil, glacial tills or other rock formations. To test if minerals are present, it is often necessary to look beneath the surface materials to see what is there. This is done using advanced techniques such as geophysical and geochemical surveys, and diamond drilling programs. To prepare for this advanced work, various surveys must be planned. For the surveys to be exact, a map grid is created on the land marked by narrow cut-lines in forest or by a long line of pickets on open land. Once this grid has been done, geophysical instruments can be carried along the grid and more precise work can be done, including trenching (cutting a long ditch in the ground). At this stage, the community may notice not only increased work on the ground, but also a helicopter or an airplane carrying special antennas or instruments pulled though the air.


Sampling and Drilling


Initial prospecting takes small samples, whereas trenching, in soil or rock, can provide a larger and more representative sampling of a mineral occurrence. If earlier work indicates that there is the possibility of a mineral deposit underground, the exploration company must now be able to sample that rock to estimate the extent and shape of that mineral deposit. A diamond drill is used to cut through rock, going down hundreds of metres and bringing up lengths of cored rock (drill core). Typically, an average drill program would cost several times the total amount spent so far. The cost is per metre and varies depending on the location of activity (north is more expensive) and the availability of drilling contractors. The samples are then sent to laboratories for "assay" and the company will analyze the results.

Facts & Figures
During detailed exploration, the community may notice not only increased work on the ground, but also a helicopter or an airplane carrying special antennas or instruments pulled through the air.


http://www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/mms-smm/abor-auto/htm/kit-toc/kit-exp-eng.htm#exp1-1