New Methods and Technologies for Mineral Geological and Geophysical Exploration in China, 2nd Edition

Dear Colleagues,

The sustainable development of China’s social economy is facing pressure from resource shortages, with an external dependence on copper, iron, and potassium reaching 60–85%. As mineral development progresses, shallow resources are significantly reduced, and the potential of many mines is insufficient, becoming a bottleneck restricting China’s economic development.

Geophysics is an important means of perceiving deep-underground targets. Deep geophysical exploration is mainly based on two methods: acoustic wave-based methods, such as seismic exploration (similar to performing a B-ultrasound for the Earth), and electromagnetic wave-based methods, like electromagnetic exploration (similar to a CT for the Earth). Taking the latter as an example, these methods play an important role in the analysis of deep structures and mineral resources (crustal and ore-field structures, tracing of regional ore-forming fluids, research on characteristic mineralization and continental geodynamics, investigation of underground water sources, and exploration of the geological environment) and in oil exploration (research on unconventional natural gas accumulation dynamics and the exploration of concealed deposits and deep oil and gas reservoirs).

Engineering investigations and works from other fields have made important contributions.

With the development of deep exploration in China, carrying out research on new theories, methods, and technologies of geophysical exploration is of great significance for ensuring the safe supply of mineral resources and promoting the sustainable development of the national economy.

We have previously organized the first edition of this Special Issue, successfully publishing 13 articles whose results received a positive social response. Therefore, we are setting up a second edition focusing on the latest research results in new deep exploration technology, artificial intelligence, multi-method joint exploration or inversion, and equipment technology, among other aspects. To ensure that only the latest credible developments in mineral geological and geophysical exploration are presented, we will strictly control the quality of the papers submitted for consideration.

Prof. Dr. Guoqiang Xue
Dr. Nannan Zhou
Dr. Weiying Chen
Dr. Xin Wu
Guest Editors

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