Abstract: The problem of sustainable exploration and development of mines is studied from geological, environmental, technical and economic perspectives. A quaternion model for sustainable exploration and development of mines is developed based on the analytic hierarchy process. This model demonstrates that the exploration and development activities could be deemed reasonable only when they are geologically ore-bearing and technically viable and do not harm the environment while maximizing the economic benefit. Assessment on the Jiama Cu polymetallic deposit in Gangdise metallogenic belt in Tibet based on this model shows that the current exploration and development program of this deposit is reasonable, which is consistent with the real condition.