Experience in exploration for buried deposits and its implications— discussed from Information-based Mineral Exploration Strategy and One Hundred Mineral Exploration Case Histories

Based on the discovery history of large buried deposits, the authors summarize the experience and strategies in buried deposit prospecting and deliberate on them in the context of the mineral exploration philosophy. To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of prospecting for deep-seated buried deposits, the key geological factors at depths related to the geological characteristics of the prospecting deposits are illustrated by their corresponding relations to the geophysical and geochemical indicators, and the geophysical and geochemical criteria for ore deposits can be transformed into prospecting indicators. The direct information is the most reliable information of mineral exploration. Direct information is the most reliable information for mineral exploration. Direct information and indirect information are not distinguished according to disciplines, and the two kinds of information may be transformed mutually under certain conditions and on degrees of survey. Direct information is used as a guide to achieve transformation from the whole region to local areas step by step until a breakthrough in mineral exploration can be made rapidly. It is necessary to pay full attention to the application conditions and preconditions of various methods and attach importance to the extraction and confirmation of various kinds of direct information and strengthening the integration of diversified methods. For an important metallogenic province (belt), the exploration criteria need to be revised and adjusted constantly when geological research and prospecting deepen. Mineral exploration is an investment with both high risk and great benefits, also a highly creative practice which combines investigation with research. The success in mineral exploration is not judged by the “level” of research and the profundity of metallogenic theory or the simplicity or complexity and the exploration process, but by the actual results of exploration and whether new deposits are found. Integration between experience and theory and between science and techniques leads to the road to the success in mineral exploration.