Mineral exploration is a methodical process in finding ore commercially viable concentrations of minerals for extraction. Methods for the mineral exploration vary at the stage of the process. They are geochemical studies, geophysical studies, exploration drilling, etc.

Mineral deposits may be so near surface that their exploitation by surface methods can easily be accomplished. There are on the other hand deposits whose depth from the surface would only allow them to be won by underground methods. Apart from these clear-cut situations, there are also some deposits that start at surface or near surface and continue to great depths. In the case of such deposits, using a combination of both surface and underground methods could result in a higher net profit than only one.