Definitions and Terminology
Vector to Gold (V2G)
Public‑Facing Definitions for ESP, TAIE, and UESM
Purpose of This Document
This document provides clear, operational definitions for terms used by Vector to Gold across its website, reports, and public materials.
The goal is language control, not branding. Each definition is written to:
Be non‑mystical and non‑promotional
Describe how a term is used operationally
Prevent misinterpretation or strawman criticism
Distinguish scientific inference from financial interpretation
Unless otherwise stated, these terms describe processes and classifications, not guarantees, predictions of outcome, or investment advice.
TAIE — Tactical AI for Exploration
TAIE (Tactical AI for Exploration) is a constraint-governed inference engine designed to synthesize heterogeneous Earth-science datasets under the Unified Earth Systems Model (UESM).
Operationally, TAIE:
Integrates geological, geophysical, and geochemical inputs
Applies physical and structural constraints to inference
Produces science-based structural interpretations
Logs inputs, exclusions, and uncertainty
TAIE is not a purely generative prediction engine, a fully autonomous decision system, or a standalone valuation tool.
TAIE may employ generative components for synthesis and communication, may support human decision-making through structured inference, and may produce model-based economic estimates (e.g., order-of-magnitude NPV-style ranges or scenario comparisons) derived from explicit assumptions.
However, TAIE does not operate autonomously, does not generate unconstrained predictions, and does not function as a discretionary capital allocator. Economic outputs are treated as analytical estimates, not recommendations, and are designed to inform — not replace — downstream valuation, risk, and investment decision processes.
UESM — Unified Earth Systems Model
The Unified Earth Systems Model (UESM) is a systems framework that treats the Earth as a set of coupled physical processes rather than independent datasets.
UESM emphasizes:
Structural stress and deformation
Permeability and fluid pathways
Vertical continuity of mineral systems
Consistency across depth and scale
UESM provides the constraint logic under which TAIE operates. UESM is a proprietary internal framework maintained by Vector to Gold and is not distributed or implemented as a standalone public model.
ESP — Estimated Science‑based Prediction
An Estimated Science‑based Prediction (ESP) is a structured inference output produced by TAIE under UESM constraints.
An ESP:
Is derived from available scientific inputs
Is bounded by data quality and coverage
Produces structural interpretations, not guarantees
Explicitly documents uncertainty and exclusions
An ESP is not a discovery claim, an assay, a reserve estimate, or investment advice.
ESP Execution Modes
ESP execution is conducted under clearly defined modes that govern scope, authority, and permissible outputs. These modes parallel SASP execution discipline but apply after a system has been identified as warranting ESP-level analysis.
ESP‑M1 — Integrated Structural and Endowment Modeling
Scope:
Full system‑scale structural inference
Surface and depth structure
High‑resolution modeling of system geometry
Purpose:
Quantify system scale, continuity, and depth potential
Estimate system endowment characteristics (e.g., system ounces, depth extent, High‑Grade Zones where supported)
Establish internally consistent structural and volumetric models
Authority:
Structural system identity
System geometry, plunge interpretation, and vertical extent
Structural Coherence assessment (including SCSˢ / SCSᵈ)
System‑level volumetric and endowment estimates (assumption‑bound)
Restrictions:
No reserves or resource statements
No feasibility‑level conclusions
No autonomous capital allocation
ESP‑M1 establishes what the system is and how large it may be under stated assumptions.
ESP‑M2 — Scientific Theory‑of‑Case Validation
Scope:
Scientific re‑interrogation of ESP‑M1 outputs
Cross‑validation against independent datasets, analog systems, and internal Codex expectations
Purpose:
Test the internal consistency of the proposed system model
Evaluate whether the inferred system behavior is scientifically coherent
Identify failure modes, alternative explanations, or unresolved ambiguities
Authority:
Theory‑of‑case validation or rejection
Confidence adjustment (upward, downward, or indeterminate)
Recommendations for refinement, escalation, or termination
Restrictions:
No new economic modeling
No valuation outputs
No targeting recommendations
ESP‑M2 establishes whether the scientific story holds together, not whether the system is attractive.
Note on numbering: ESP‑M1 predates ESP‑M2 in the evolution of TAIE. ESP‑M2 was introduced later as a formal scientific theory‑of‑case validation layer applied after ESP‑M1 modeling was already mature. The numbering reflects historical development, not analytical precedence.
System ESP
A System ESP is an ESP applied to a broad geographic region to identify coherent mineral systems rather than individual targets.
System ESPs:
Emphasize system‑scale structure and continuity
May include multiple prospects or deposits
Are not focused on single drill targets
TSM — TAIE Skeleton Mode
TAIE Skeleton Mode (TSM) is a lightweight inference mode that focuses exclusively on structural geometry.
In TSM:
Only major structural features are inferred
Formal resource modeling and valuation are excluded; however, geometry-implied scale observations (e.g., indications of very large potential system size inferred from structural extent) may be noted. These observations are qualitative and plausibility-based, not quantified endowment models.
Outputs are used for reconnaissance and prioritization
TSM is designed for early‑stage evaluation where data density is limited.
SASP — Statewide Area Screening Program
SASP (Statewide Area Screening Program) is a uniform, pre‑targeting screening program applied to a user‑defined geographic state (Area of Interest, AOI) to determine where deeper analysis is justified.
Within TAIE, “state” does not imply a political boundary. A state is any explicitly declared geographic domain treated as a single, internally comparable screening unit (e.g., Colorado, the Abitibi Belt, Southwest France).
Internal Execution Levels
SASP‑M1
Includes:
Lightning sweep
Macro surface sweep
Scope:
Surface behavior only
Purpose:
Characterize surface reliability and surface‑level failure modes
Authority:
No depth inference
No system identity
No ranking
No ESP escalation
SASP‑M2
Includes:
Lightning sweep
Macro surface sweep
TSM (structure‑only depth screening)
Scope:
Surface behavior plus structure‑only depth screening
Purpose:
Determine whether coherent deep structure exists that justifies full ESP escalation
Authority:
Structure‑only inference
Escalation recommendation (Yes / No / Reasoned Indeterminacy)
No valuation
No targeting
Core Invariants (Non‑Negotiable)
SASP scans the entire declared AOI, not hand‑picked targets
Rules and inputs are applied uniformly across the AOI
SASP identifies where deeper work is justified, not where ore exists
SASP outputs are screening artifacts, not discovery claims
Structural Lead
A Structural Lead is a location or zone where structural conditions are consistent with mineral system formation but where confirmation is incomplete.
Structural Leads:
Are candidates for further evaluation
Do not imply economic mineralization
May be downgraded or dismissed with new data
Codex
The Codex is the internal library of system archetypes, constraint rules, and inference logic used by TAIE.
Operationally, the Codex:
Encodes learned structural patterns
Guides interpretation under uncertainty
Evolves as new validated information is incorporated
The Codex is not a static rulebook and is not publicly distributed in full.
Archetype
An Archetype is a generalized representation of a mineral system or structural pattern derived from multiple known examples.
Archetypes:
Describe common structural and geological relationships
Are used as reference patterns, not templates
Do not imply inevitability or certainty
Note: Through application of TAIE across diverse geological contexts, Vector to Gold has identified a number of hybrid archetypes that combine features of traditionally separate system classes. These hybrid archetypes are proprietary to V2G’s work and reflect emergent patterns observed through cross‑domain synthesis rather than predefined categories.
Confidence vs. Probability
Confidence describes the internal consistency and support of an interpretation given the available inputs.
Probability describes the likelihood of a future outcome.
Vector to Gold reports confidence, not probability. ESP outputs do not assign probabilities to discoveries or economic success.
Plunge
Plunge refers to the vertical or inclined continuity of a structural or mineral system at depth.
In UESM and TAIE usage:
Plunge is considered primary
Surface expression is considered secondary
This reflects the view that mineral systems are fundamentally vertical structures.
SCSˢ / SCSᵈ — Surface vs. Depth Structural Coherence
Structural Coherence Score (SCS) is a comparative framework used to assess how consistently a mineral system expresses coherent structure at the surface versus at depth.
SCSˢ (Surface Structural Coherence) describes the degree to which surface expressions (mapping, alteration, geochemistry, shallow geophysics) appear structurally organized and internally consistent.
SCSᵈ (Depth Structural Coherence) describes the degree to which deeper expressions (deep geophysics, inferred conduits, plunge continuity, system geometry) demonstrate structural focus and constraint.
Key principles:
SCSˢ and SCSᵈ are independent measures; a system may score low at surface and high at depth, or vice versa.
Low SCSˢ does not imply low system quality; surface expression is often diffuse due to erosion, alteration, or overprinting.
High SCSᵈ is generally considered more indicative of a coherent mineralizing system under UESM.
SCS metrics:
Are comparative and ordinal, not absolute
Reflect structural organization, not grade or economics
Are used as filters and prioritization tools, not as guarantees
SCS scores may inform ESP interpretation, TSM escalation decisions, and downstream analytical models, but do not constitute discovery claims or economic predictions.
System vs. Prospect
A System is a coherent, physically connected mineralizing structure that may host multiple deposits.
A Prospect is a localized area within a system where mineralization is suspected or observed.
Systems can exist without known prospects; prospects do not exist without systems.
Discovery vs. Validation
Discovery refers to the identification of a previously unknown mineral occurrence.
Validation refers to the confirmation, refinement, or reinterpretation of an existing system using new data or improved analysis.
ESPs may contribute to either process but do not replace field validation.
Valuation vs. Inference
Inference is the process of interpreting scientific data to describe structure and system behavior.
Valuation is the process of assigning economic meaning to assets.
Vector to Gold maintains a disciplined separation between inference (TAIE / ESP) and valuation (internal analytical frameworks). Inference outputs may include assumption-bound analytical estimates, but discretionary valuation, capital allocation, and investment decisions remain explicitly outside the TAIE system.
EPM — Endowment Phasing Model
The Endowment Phasing Model (EPM) is an analytical framework used to translate science‑based structural inference into time‑phased, assumption‑bound economic estimates.
EPM:
Uses outputs from TAIE and ESPs as inputs, not conclusions
Explicitly incorporates Structural Coherence Scores (SCSˢ / SCSᵈ) to differentiate surface expression from depth‑anchored system coherence
Models potential endowment development across depth, time, and confidence tiers
Weights deeper, structurally coherent phases (high SCSᵈ) differently from surface‑driven or diffuse expressions (high SCSˢ)
Produces scenario‑based, order‑of‑magnitude economic estimates (e.g., phased NPV‑style ranges)
Makes assumptions explicit and adjustable
EPM is designed to support comparative analysis and capital discipline, not to generate investment recommendations.
EPM does not:
Replace formal feasibility studies
Produce reserves or resource statements
Act as an autonomous capital allocation system
Economic outputs from EPM are analytical tools intended to inform human decision‑making within broader financial, technical, and risk frameworks.
Closing Note
Clear language is a prerequisite for credible science.
These definitions are intended to ensure that Vector to Gold’s work can be evaluated on its methods and evidence rather than mischaracterized through ambiguous terminology.