With continued interest in Africa’s resource potential, expert early-stage consulting services can help identify and mitigate common challenges to unlock long-term project success, particularly in underdeveloped regions, says multidisciplinary consultancy Luhlaza Consulting and Advisory MD Dr Avinash Bisnath.

Many regions across the continent remain underexplored, largely owing to logistical and infrastructure challenges. Nonetheless, this presents considerable potential for the discovery of new mineral deposits, particularly in high-demand commodities such as lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements and other battery metals, he adds.

In Southern Africa, interest is high in precious and base metals, while in East and Central Africa, critical and strategic minerals are driving the bulk of activity. West Africa continues to attract attention for its gold, bauxite and other strategic resources, largely owing to favourable commodity prices.

Further, previously overlooked or underdeveloped regions that lacked initial exploration investment, owing to perceived risks or infrastructural deficits, also present significant potential, adds Bisnath.

In this regard, technological advancements, including remote sensing, geophysical surveys and sophisticated data analytics, improve exploration targeting and reduce risk in complex terrains, thereby allowing for exploration in these regions.

However, Bisnath notes that in remote or geologically complex regions, early-stage exploration presents logistical and human resource challenges, including limited infrastructure, language barriers, health risks and a shortage of skilled local labour, as well as insufficient baseline geological data. Regulatory complexity and investor hesitancy also continue to hamper early-stage activity.

All these challenges require specialist knowledge and collaborative approaches, which Luhlaza provides through strategic, science-led consulting.

Bisnath says the company is well positioned to bridge these gaps through leveraging advanced remote sensing, geophysical tools and practical experience to identify high-potential areas more efficiently.

Luhlaza reduces project viability uncertainty and enhances project confidence using robust geological modelling and flexible, adaptive exploration programmes.

The consultancy contributes to capacity building through local training and employment initiatives, thereby fostering sustainable local exploration capacity, while its regulatory support services assist clients in navigating permitting processes and regulatory compliance to streamline project startup, he explains.

Further, through its strong emphasis on community and stakeholder engagement, the company assists in securing a social licence to operate and in reducing operational delays.

Luhlaza promotes community engagement by building relationships with local leaders, respecting cultural norms and hiring local workers to foster cooperation and trust, states Bisnath, adding that the company also relies on strategic partnerships with local suppliers to streamline logistics and ensure safety.

“Our guiding principle is simple, act as you would at home, with respect and accountability,” he says.

Early-Stage Approach
During the exploration and prospecting phases of a mining project, Luhlaza offers a comprehensive suite of geological and engineering services, following a clear project life cycle in early-stage mineral exploration, notes Bisnath.

The company’s multidisciplinary team – including geotechnical specialists, geologists, geohydrologists and mining engineers – provides end-to-end solutions tailored to every project’s requirements.

Luhlaza supports clients in optimising costs by providing tailored, multidisciplinary guidance across key areas – such as geology, geophysics, geotechnical studies and geohydrology – thereby lowering risks and improving the overall quality of exploration outcomes.

Working within the constraints of tight budgets and high investor expectations, the company aims to increase the likelihood of identifying economically viable deposits while building investor confidence and supporting sustainable project development.

A project typically starts with thorough research and target identification, followed by land access and fieldwork, including mineralisation sampling and related data collection. This leads into data analysis, resource estimation and reporting, after which a project is either closed in the case of poor outcomes or progressed to the next stage of development when results justify further investment.

To ensure that early-stage exploration data supports sound decision-making, Bisnath says Luhlaza prioritises methodical data collection, strict quality-assurance and control protocols, advanced technologies and expert interpretation.

To manage risk, the consultancy adopts a proactive and flexible strategy, aiming to reduce uncertainty while enhancing potential, with its experienced geologists adapting strategies in response to new data and emerging risks.

Geological mapping, modelling and resource estimation are enhanced by foundational and solid field-based training using current technologies.

“Geology happens on the ground, in the field, not behind a desk, and accurate geological mapping is the cornerstone of exploration success,” Bisnath says.

New geology graduates are first equipped with fundamental skills, such as mapping, geodynamic terrain analysis, core logging and rock classification, before progressing to advanced modelling techniques, he explains.

To improve accuracy and efficiency in the early stages of exploration, the company employs a range of tools, including machine learning for rapid geological analysis, drone and satellite surveys for high-resolution remote mapping and hyperspectral imaging for precise mineral identification.

Luhlaza’s team also uses advanced 3D modelling software and leverages open data platforms to promote collaboration.

All data is cross-checked and validated, with robust geological models constructed and comprehensively documented; the process includes peer reviews and stakeholder input. This ensures decisions about future development are based on reliable, high-quality information, Bisnath notes.

This integrated approach significantly improves data quality, reduces project timelines, and delivers more reliable resource estimates during early exploration, he concludes.