A CRMA activity term for identifying and establishing the properties of mineral occurrences before extraction decisions are made.
Exploration is the CRMA discovery and evidence-building stage for mineral occurrences. It is about identifying and establishing properties of a potential mineral occurrence, not extraction, processing, recycling, commercial production, or proof that a reserve is economically viable.
This page is anchored in CRMA Article 2, point 3. It sits inside the raw materials value chain but should be kept separate from extraction, reserves, targeted project approval, and downstream product manufacturing.
Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials
all activities aimed at identifying and establishing the properties of mineral occurrences
CRMA Article 2 source-specific definition layer.
Reference: Article 2, point 3
Use exploration when a material or project record needs to show early geological investigation, survey work, sampling context, or evidence that a mineral occurrence is being assessed before extraction or permitting claims are made.
Exploration evidence can become important before a site has production, reserves, or project status. Minespider keeps exploration as an upstream material-evidence stage so early geological records do not get mistaken for extraction capacity, supplier performance, or verified supply.