prospector

/ˈprɑspɛkɾər/

/ˈprɒspɛktə/

Other forms: prospectors

A prospector is someone looking for mineral deposits. Prospectors are usually after gold.

A prospector is a type of explorer, but one with a specific purpose: prospectors are after mineral deposits. Mineral deposits are found in the ground, so prospectors will commonly be looking down. They also use various tools—such as axes and metal detectors—to find the minerals they're after. Since gold is the most valuable mineral, it's long been the number one priority of prospectors. A prospector who finds gold could become rich.

Definitions of prospector

1. noun

   someone who explores an area for mineral deposits
   types:

   sourdough

   a settler or prospector (especially in western United States or northwest Canada and Alaska)

   type of:

   miner, mineworker

   laborer who works in a mine