A scoping study, also known as a preliminary economic assessment or a PEA, is a study that includes initial technical and economic analysis of the potential viability of a project's mineral resources. PEAs should include base-case data on the capital costs associated with bringing a project into production, an estimate of how the mine will operate once it is built, how much metal and money it will produce and what operating costs it will incur. PEAs help mining companies understand risks and uncertainties associated with a project by providing information on pre-production capital costs, life-of-mine sustaining capital, mine life and cash flow, as well as details on processing and production methods and rates.