prospector

Etymology

prospect + -or

noun

1. A person who explores or prospects an area in search of mineral deposits, such as gold.
   A large number of prospectors have crossed over the divide to the British head waters of the Yukon, in search of the rich diggings found by a lucky few last year. 1886-06-09, “Geographical Notes”, in Science, volume VIII, number 179, New York: The Science Company, page 27
   The south polar region of Promethei Planum developed a Bermuda Triangle reputation. Satellites detected intermittent mass concentrations and magnetic field shifts. In 2148, prospectors working near Deseado Crater discovered an underground complex: a Prothean observation post. The odd phenomena were generated by the operation and discharge of a mass effect core, struggling to function despite fifty millennia of neglect. 2008, BioWare, Mass Effect (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →OCLC, PC, scene: Protheans: Mars Ruins Codex entry