Metalliferous earths are types of soil or rock formations that contain valuable metals or minerals such as iron, gold, silver, copper, zinc, and lead. These types of earths are commonly found in mining sites around the world and are essential to the production of many industrial and consumer goods. Synonyms for metalliferous earths include mineral-bearing earths, ore-bearing rocks, mineral-rich soils, and metal-bearing minerals. Prospecting for metalliferous earths is a highly skilled and specialized field that requires advanced knowledge of geology, mineralogy, and mining techniques. The extraction of metals from metalliferous earths is a complex process that requires considerable investment and technological expertise.