I think perhaps there may be some confusion here between "Exploration" and "Prospecting". While prospecting may be considered an early part of the Exploration Stage, the Exploration Stage may be more properly defined as:
2. Exploration (Ore body) - Defining extent and value of ore (mapping)
a. Sample (drilling or excavation),assay, test
b. Estimate tonnage and grade
c. Valuate deposit (Hoskold formula or discount method): present value = income - cost
Feasibility study: make decision to abandon or develop.
Only after the above is complete will a legitimate company spend money on the development necessary to enter the Production Stage.
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