The Drilling and Exploratory Mining Section of the Department of Mines and Geology focuses on activities related to identifying and evaluating potential mineral deposits before actual mining operations begin. This section plays a significant role in determining the feasibility of mining projects, estimating the quality and quantity of mineral resources, and minimizing risks associated with mining operations. The key activities in this section include: 

1. Target Selection: Based on the geological mapping and indirect exploration techniques (geophysical methods), the targets for drilling are set. These targets are selected based on geological indicators that suggest the presence of valuable minerals.

2. Exploration Planning: A detailed exploration plan is developed, outlining the strategies, methods, and techniques to be employed during the exploratory phase. This plan takes into account factors such as target depth, sampling methods, drilling techniques, and environmental considerations.

3. Drilling: Drilling is a fundamental activity in exploratory mining. It involves creating boreholes or drilling holes in the ground to extract core samples from different depths. These core samples provide valuable information about the geology, mineralization, and ore grades of the area.

4. Core Sample Analysis: The extracted core samples are analyzed in laboratories to determine the mineral content, composition, and quality of the ore. This analysis helps estimate the potential economic viability of the mineral deposit.