Rocks are examined in the field by first breaking the rock to expose a fresh surface, and then examining the mineral content using a hand lens. Samples are labelled with a number, content is described, and their GPS locations are recorded.  Samples are collected and sent to the assay lab where the mineral content is measured.

A company will outline what ground they want sampled and how much sampling is to be done. Sometimes they may want to focus on certain areas and other times they will want the whole area to be looked at methodically. An important asset a prospector must have is curiosity. It is what drives you to keep looking at the next outcrop. We carry hammers that have a grub hoe on one end and a hammer on the other end. The grub hoe is essential to clear the moss and dirt from outcrops. (A fellow named Ron Tweedie, who lives in Thunder Bay, patented this design.)

Photo: Annetta describes and bags a sample.