Mining research is defined as the process that leads to the discovery of an economically exploitable mineral deposit and is carried out in several stages, such as scoping, pre-feasibility, feasibility, and others. Its objective is to identify and recover the maximum possible quantity of exploitable mineral reserves. More specifically, mining research and study include the collection and processing of data, such as geological data or drill cores, in order to estimate the exploitable reserves of a deposit.

Mining research may also continue after the completion of the development stage, as additional reserves may be discovered, which may lead to greater, more efficient, and more profitable mine operation and, consequently, to an extension of the mine’s life.