Objective As an important part of deep prospecting, magnetite exploration in areas with thick overburden has some problems such as low exploration level, weak geophysical signals and huge prospecting difficulties. It is urgent to try and form an effective exploration technology system.

Methods This paper employs multi−dimensional and multi−method airborne−surface−borehole exploration means, uses multi−source information and a step−by−step approach, which is: prospecting area——airborne−geophysical methods——surface geophysical methods and verification borehole——airborne−surface−borehole joint inversion——drilling. Key technologies such as airborne−surface−borehole exploration technique, extracting technique for integrated geological prospecting information, lithologic structural mapping and prospecting target delineating technique, airborne−magnetic and gravity joint inversion based on multi−information, 3D geological−geophysical modeling approach are used.

Results In response to the characteristics of ore prospecting in areas with thick overburden, an airborne−surface−borehole cooperative exploration technical system for magnetite in such areas has been established. Magnetite has been found in several new boreholes following this technical system. The application of this technology system in Shandong Qihe demonstration area with thick overburden has improved the prospecting effect and achieved a breakthrough in high-grade magnetite ore prospecting.

Conclusions This technical system, taking advantage of airborne−surface−borehole cooperative exploration, provides theoretical and technical support for magnetite prospecting in areas with thick overburden, and also provides reference for prospecting other types of deposits in similar areas.