Exploration geology involves the application of geological principles and methods to locate and evaluate mineral and hydrocarbon resources. Key aspects include:

• Geological mapping and sampling to understand the surface geology
• Sedimentary and structural analysis to infer subsurface geology
• Mineral resource estimation based on drilling and sampling data

Exploration geologists use a variety of techniques such as geological mapping, rock sampling, and core logging to gather data about the geology of an area and identify potential targets for further investigation.