Mineral exploration is a practical geology that studies the geological conditions of the formation and distribution of minerals, the occurrence rules of ore deposits, the characteristics of ore body changes and the most effective identification and evaluation methods of industrial deposits. It has strong comprehensiveness, practicality, economy and policy, belongs to the category of economic geology, is the comprehensive embodiment of geological science and economic science, and utilizes the achievements of relevant geological science, technical science and economic science, It directly serves the national economic construction.

The main research object of mineral exploration is the exploration and evaluation of minerals (or deposits). The main research method is to conduct geological, technical and economic evaluation according to the natural characteristics of the deposits and the technical and economic factors of mineral exploration and development. As the main professional course of mineral exploration specialty, it reflects the nature and training objectives of the specialty.