Mining history has been greatly influenced by the evolution of styles and approaches to mineral deposit discovery and development. Since mining began there has been a range of different approaches, many of which can be grouped or categorised into the following models:

1. The ‘Casino’ model – discovery by observation, guided by analogy, with development through perseverance or luck;
2. The ‘Emperor’s New Clothes’ model – directed, needs-driven discovery and development by a central authority;
3. The ‘Bootstrap’ model – discovery by prospecting with staged, self-funded development;
4. The ‘Safari’ model – planned discovery and development within a capital funded, well established organisational structure;
5. The ‘Sustainable Planet’ model – scientific discovery within a global context, with development guided by a need for sustainable resource use and social license.

To a large extent, these models reflect the evolution of economic, political and management structures, as well as changes in the science of ore discovery and mineral-related technology. There is some overlap between the approaches of these models and their development has not followed a strictly linear progression, although some have been more or less in vogue during different historical periods. Examples will be used to illustrate and explore the key features of the proposed models.