Innovations in mineral exploration: Targets, methods and organization since the first globalization period

This paper provides an overview of the history of innovation in the mining exploration industry since its rise at the end of the nineteenth century. Innovation in exploration is divided into the following: (1) the target model itself, including the terrain and type of deposit; (2) the methods or technologies for discovering and defining the deposits; and (3) the organization of exploration, including the people involved. Target models evolve in response to the need for new metals, the development of new extraction processes, the price of metals, the opening of new territories to exploration, and unexpected discoveries. Each model grows from pure description to a more genetic interpretation, resulting in the reorganization of ore deposit classification. Methods develop from surface prospecting to geological analogies, then to applied fundamental breakthroughs in exploration involving technologies in the fields of geophysics, geochemistry, geodynamics and information. The organization of exploration is continually reshaped, starting with the development of Taylor-style mining exploration teams within companies, evolving into the segmentation of knowledge and value chains between service and production through the institution of junior mining companies.