Mineral exploration can be mainly divided into empirical exploration and theoretical exploration. Initially, mineral exploration relied on long-term exploration, summary, and accumulation of experience, judging whether there were minerals based on mineral assemblages, rock assemblages, alteration types, and even plants growing on the surface. Theoretical exploration relied more on mineralization theory. By studying major tectonic locations and geological evolutionary histories in regions and even globally, it selected mineralization zones, defined mineralization targets, and guided mineral exploration. Currently, mineral exploration is generally a combination of empirical and theoretical methods. Since most initial mineral deposits were found by empirical exploration, luck sometimes played a significant role. Perhaps you've heard the legend that a certain scientist accidentally discovered a mine while eating or even using the toilet. Such cases might have really happened, but most of them have been exaggerated and become self-deprecating stories among geologists. So far, empirical exploration still plays an important role.
As surface mineral deposits are being exhausted, the role of theory will become more critical. Both theoretical and empirical exploration rely on exploration technologies. Common exploration techniques include geology, geophysics, geochemistry, and remote sensing. "Geology" refers to geological exploration, including rocks, structures, and minerals. "Geophysics" refers to geophysical exploration, which is the main means for scientists to explore the interior of the Earth and is irreplaceable in determining the size and spatial location of ore bodies. Common methods include electrical conductivity, induced polarization, gravity, magnetism, and seismic exploration. "Geochemistry" is geochemical exploration, including the geochemical properties of rocks, stream sediments, geochemistry, and geochemical chronology, which is particularly effective in defining targets for surface mineral deposits. Some people believe that most mineral deposits in China in recent years have been found through geochemical exploration. The basic method is to systematically collect samples in a grid pattern, determine the content of various ore-forming elements in them, and then define "anomalous areas" with high contents of ore-forming elements, followed by in-depth geological, geophysical, and geochemical exploration. "Remote sensing" refers to remote sensing technology, which is the scientists' "third eye". It mainly uses aircraft or satellites to quickly obtain various geophysical and geochemical parameters and provide guidance for defining mineral exploration targets. This has obvious advantages in areas with large areas, sparse human presence, and harsh conditions. With the exhaustion of surface mineral deposits and their exploitation, geophysics and remote sensing will play an increasingly important role in mineral exploration.