Abstract Companies pursuing exploration opportunities in sensitive areas are increasingly challenged to manage the non-technical risks associated with these operations. Company management, local communities, the international community and other stakeholders want to be assured that safety, health, environmental, social and other non-technical risks associated with exploration activities are appropriately managed. Failure to identify and manage these risks can have significant business implications, including project delays, cost overruns and abandoned projects. A formalized risk assessment and management process is required to successfully manage these risks.