What kind of operation you are running.
WHAT FORMS EXIST
Exploration Small-scale mining Larger-scale mining operations Quarrying for aggregates and dimension stone Processing and beneficiation Mineral trading and buying Equipment supply and contract services
WHY THE DISTINCTION MATTERS
Each requires different titles, capital, skills and timescales.
WHAT EXPLORATION IS ECONOMICALLY
Spending money to establish whether a deposit exists and is worth developing.
WHY IT IS DIFFICULT TO FUND
The expenditure is certain and the outcome is not.
WHAT QUARRYING IS
A production business supplying construction, with predictable demand and thin margins per tonne.
WHAT TRADING IS
Buying from producers and selling on, with margin on volume and quality assessment.
WHAT ALL SHARE
Titles granted by the state Environmental and community obligations Serious safety risks Heavy equipment dependence Long timescales before revenue
WHAT DETERMINES SUCCESS
Holding valid title Understanding the deposit Controlling cost per tonne Access to market Community relations
WHAT MOST ENTRANTS UNDERESTIMATE
Time to first revenue, and the capital required.
WHAT TO TREAT THIS CATEGORY AS
Business guidance, with geological, engineering and regulatory matters from qualified professionals and the relevant authorities.
