Exploration is the first phase of the mining cycle and normally takes place in remote parts of the country, including areas near Aboriginal communities. In the exploration phase, the goal is to locate new sources of ore (a metal bearing mineral or rock). If the results of exploration are not promising and an economic deposit is not found, the site will not be developed into a mine. Roughly one in 10,000 mineral showings results in a mine. The exploration phase generally occurs during summer months and can last between seven and ten years (or more) before the site is developed into a mine. During this period, the company spends money raised through investors, but generates no income as there is no mineral production.