DCHP-1 Online
prospecting 
n. the searching of an area for mineral deposits.
- 1868 Though the prospecting license was accorded, its terms were so illiberal that Mr. Campbell and his friends had to abandon the project, for which tools, machinery, miners, and a vessel to transport them had already been purchased.
- 1952 . . . transportation facilities outside of that radius are extremely difficult, a factor which may hamper further extension of prospecting on a large scale.
- 1868 Though the prospecting license was accorded, its terms were so illiberal that Mr. Campbell and his friends had to abandon the project, for which tools, machinery, miners, and a vessel to transport them had already been purchased.