prospect

Prospect is a term with several related meanings in English. As a noun, it denotes the possibility or likelihood of a future event or outcome, such as the prospects for success or the prospect of rain. As a verb, to prospect means to search for valuable mineral deposits or to examine a terrain area for potential ore.

In geology and mining, a prospect is a site or area under evaluation for mineral resources. Prospecting is the early stage of exploration, employing field mapping, geochemical sampling, and geophysical methods to identify anomalies that may indicate ore deposits. A prospect may refer to a mineralized zone or a deposit that has not yet been proven, in contrast to a confirmed resource or reserve. When results are favorable, further drilling and development may follow.

Several towns and communities are named Prospect around the world. There are places named Prospect in multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, reflecting common naming practices rather than any single origin.

For clarity, the related term prospectus refers to a formal document describing an investment issue; it is distinct from prospect itself.