When a promising mineral deposit has been found, production is the next thing to consider. All mines require considerable development before actual ore production can begin.

The orebody is "opened up" by excavation. In opening a mine, a small mining company usually digs any ore that is showing. The revenue from the sale of the ore keeps the venture going and finances further development. After the ore body has been delineated and defined, a company may make several feasibility studies to determine the best way to mine the ore.