exploration predictability

The following quote is from the following link

"What's more, Kloppers is convinced that oil exploration is a far more predictable game than minerals exploration.

Kloppers believes the science of petroleum exploration means that money in means barrels out while minerals exploration remains as much a matter of luck as good planning."


http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/bhp-busts-a-modern-myth-on-minerals/story-e6frg77f-1111116276010

What this suggests IMHO is if the the country has good pedigree/history and the results suggest "strong targets", you should feel reasonably encouraged.