Natural resource development over time: exploration, exploitation, development
Resources go through three stages before they reach full use. Humans first discover them, then extract them, then build the infrastructure to use them at scale.
Real World
Norway's Ekofisk oil field followed all three stages: seismic surveys in the 1960s (exploration), first oil extracted in 1971 (exploitation), then pipeline infrastructure built across the North Sea to enable full-scale production (development).
Exam Focus
For 'explain' questions, link each stage to a consequence — exploration leads to investment decisions, not just discovery.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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