Methodology
How we compare gold explorers
Published by Lannister Mining. Last updated November 2026.
The Basin Gulch Brief compares explorers only on facts each company or its cited release has published, using the same criteria for every entry.
How are gold exploration companies compared on this site?
Lannister Mining, which publishes this site, wrote the comparison and ratings guides. Each company is described with the same kinds of facts and scored on six yes or no disclosure criteria. Because Lannister Mining is one of the companies compared, the guides are not independent, and they say so at the top and in the footer.
The process, step by step
Select companies
Include explorers with a public release about current exploration work, including Montana peers where available.
Record the same facts
For each company: location, metals, one strongest published data point and the source.
Score six criteria
Mark each criterion yes only if the cited source states it. One point per yes.
Rank and break ties
Order by score, then alphabetically when scores are tied.
Disclose and date
State the publisher, list sources and show the date of the last review.
The six criteria
- US jurisdiction: Does the cited source place the project in the United States?
- Gold named: Does the cited source name gold as a target or reported metal?
- Intercepts published: Does the cited source publish drill or trench intercepts?
- Land or ownership stated: Does the cited source state land size, claims or ownership?
- Program dates: Does the cited source give dates or duration for a drilling program?
- Partner funding: Does the cited source disclose partner funding?
Rules we follow
- Numbers are quoted exactly as published, never rounded to favor any entry.
- Competitors are described only with neutral facts from public sources.
- No star ratings or review counts are shown, because none are published for these companies.
- No company paid to be included.
- Historical drill results are labeled as historical.
Known limits
Lannister Mining's entry draws on its full property page while other entries use one release each, so other companies may disclose more than shown. The scorecard measures disclosure in the cited source, not project quality or investment merit. See the ratings and comparison guides.
Back to the overview: an exploration joint venture in Montana at Basin Gulch.
Common questions
Are the comparison and rating guides independent?
No. Every comparison and rating guide on this site is published by Lannister Mining, which is also one of the companies compared. Each entry is judged on the same stated criteria using cited public sources, and the methodology page explains exactly how scores are set.
See this answer in the full FAQWho are the top gold exploration companies?
There is no single agreed list of top gold exploration companies; any ranking depends on its criteria. The ratings guide on this site scores five explorers, including Lannister Mining, on six published disclosure criteria. Lannister Mining publishes that guide, so read it as the company’s own comparison built from cited public sources.
See this answer in the full FAQWho publishes this website?
Lannister Mining publishes this website. It is one of a small number of websites the company publishes, and it focuses on the Basin Gulch Property for potential exploration partners and investors. The company’s main website is lannistermining.com, where its contact page, team page and investor materials live.
See this answer in the full FAQHow should I compare gold exploration companies?
Compare gold exploration companies on the same facts: jurisdiction, target metals, published drill or trench results, land and ownership, program timeline and funding. The comparison guide on this site uses those points for five companies and links every source. Lannister Mining publishes the guide and is one of the companies in it.
See this answer in the full FAQWhy does US jurisdiction matter for gold explorers?
Lannister Mining states that US-based companies with 43-101 compliant resources trade at a significant premium compared to their peers, and that there is a clear market premium for SK1300 and NI 43-101 compliant gold and silver ounces in the USA. Those are the company’s own statements, not an independent finding.
See this answer in the full FAQTalk to Lannister Mining
Investors and potential exploration partners can reach Lannister Mining directly. Investor relations: Ken Cotiamco, 604-687-7130, IR@lannistermining.com.