Objective In recent years, drill−core multi−parameter digitalization technologies have developed rapidly, from a single drill−core image acquisition to the comprehensive acquisition of various chemical and physical parameters, which has played an increasingly important role in the exploration and development of mineral resources and Earth system science research.

Methods In this paper, the progress of drill−core digitalization technologies related to core images, minerals and elements, which are known as the three most important parameters in the world were illustrated, and the latest application achievements of drill−core digitalization data in the fields of computational geomechanics, mineral resources exploration, paleoenvironment research and environmental protection were summarized.

Results Semi-quantitative calculation of core composition and structure with core image data combined with AI has been achieved, mineral spectral characteristics research has been widely conducted with infrared spectroscopy data, and the research and application of metallogenic laws, stratigraphic evolution, and mining-metallurgy processes have been carried out based on variations in mineral spectral features and differences in mineral assemblages by the scholars worldwide. Paleoenvironmental and geological-mineral research has been facilitated by using the XRF data. Research on equipment development and data application of LIBS is still in the initial stage although attempts have been made in the identification of sulfide minerals. Additionally, intelligent prospecting based on multi-source heterogeneous big data has been explored, providing insights for in-depth geological research in smart mines by some scholars. However, China’s R&D and application of drill-core multi-parameter digitalization technologies started late, the equipment and technology lagged behind those of international peers, resulting in low connectivity, unclear direction, and high blindness between drill-core digitalization technologies and geological application needs. Consequently, the significant role of drill-core digitalization in supporting the new round of strategic actions for ore prospecting breakthroughs has not been realized completely yet.

Conclusions The following suggestions were put forward in this paper: promote the development of drill−core image digitalization in quantitative calculation, promote the development of drill−core infrared spectral digitization in full spectrum and imaging scanning, promote the data integration and joint application of drill−core XRF and LIBS digitalization, promote the data integration and analysis of drill−core digital data with geological log, laboratory tests, physical and chemical exploration and other data, so as to support big data intelligent prospecting.