Natural resource exploration is the systematic investigation and characterization of subsurface or surface environments to identify economically exploitable concentrations of geological, mineral, energy, or water resources. It integrates geoscientific disciplines such as geology, geophysics, geochemistry, and remote sensing to detect anomalies indicative of ore bodies, hydrocarbons, geothermal reservoirs, or aquifers. Typical workflows involve regional reconnaissance, conceptual geological modeling, acquisition and interpretation of geophysical and geochemical datasets, followed by targeted drilling or sampling to validate resource presence, grade, volume, and continuity. The process underpins resource assessment, reserve estimation, and feasibility studies that support subsequent development, extraction, and management decisions.
In science-fiction stories, companies often mine the moon or asteroids. While this may seem far-fetched, this idea is edging closer to becoming reality.
Space Exploration
Jul 2, 2025
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The largest tract of public land in the United States is a wild expanse of tundra and wetlands stretching across nearly 23 million acres of northern Alaska. It's called the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, but despite ...
Ecology
Jun 30, 2025
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Bacteria, viruses and fungi are masters at evolving new strategies to infiltrate plants and cause disease that harm crops. To get ahead of these pathogens, University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers like Dr. Valentyna ...
Molecular & Computational biology
Jun 12, 2025
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64
In a world hungry for crucial resources, China may not be poised to start deep-sea mining but it is planting seeds for such operations in a meticulously planned economic and geopolitical strategy.
Environment
Jun 10, 2025
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93
What steps can be taken to enhance in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) for future astronauts on Mars? This is what a recent study presented at the 56th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference hopes to address as an international ...
Space Exploration
May 16, 2025
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"Elbows up" means many things today in Canada, including using the country's rich natural resources more effectively to support a strong, independent economy that benefits people and society.
Environment
May 12, 2025
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Scientists and space explorers have been on the hunt to determine where and how much ice is present on the moon. Water ice would be an important resource at a future lunar base, as it could be used to support humans or be ...
Planetary Sciences
Apr 23, 2025
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Helium-3 (He-3) on the moon's surface has drawn attention for decades. In 1939, a paper first noted the presence of Helium-3 on the moon. Still, it really came into the collective consciousness of space resource enthusiasts ...
Space Exploration
Mar 18, 2025
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A drill to search for ice. A 4G network test. Three rovers and a first-of-its-kind hopping drone.
Space Exploration
Mar 6, 2025
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NASA's Polar Resources Ice Mining Experiment-1 (PRIME-1) is preparing to explore the moon's subsurface and analyze where lunar resources may reside.
Space Exploration
Feb 13, 2025
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