Common use of Exploration Clause in Contracts

Exploration. Any activities, including physically invasive activities, seismic monitoring, mapping, conducting base line or foundation studies, site engineering, surveys or survey updates, appraisals, environmental assessments or other testing, or other surface-related geophysical work, directed toward ascertaining the existence, location, quantity, quality or commercial value of mineral deposits, including drilling required after discovery of potentially commercial mineralization, all in accordance with Mining Industry Best Practices, but excluding Mining Operations.