What is the main purpose of geological exploration?

What is the main purpose of geological exploration?

The main purpose of geological exploration is to obtain underground geological information through scientific methods, providing data support for resource development, engineering construction, environmental protection, etc. The following are its core objectives and typical application scenarios:

1、 Mineral resource exploration

Objective: To explore the reserves and distribution of metallic minerals (such as copper and iron), energy resources (oil, natural gas, shale gas), and non-metallic minerals (rare earths, coal).
Case: In the exploration of coal resources in Hami, Xinjiang, China, a billion ton coalfield was delineated using 3D seismic exploration technology to guide subsequent mining planning.

2、 Engineering Geological Evaluation

Objective: To evaluate the stability of the foundation, geotechnical properties, and provide design basis for construction, transportation, water conservancy, and other engineering projects.
Application scenarios:
When selecting high-speed railway lines, rock strength data is obtained through drilling to avoid crossing fault zones.
In the survey of high-rise building foundations, core analysis is used to determine soil bearing capacity and prevent uneven settlement.

3、 Environmental Monitoring and Governance

Objective: To identify areas of groundwater pollution and soil heavy metal exceedance, and provide data for ecological restoration.
Technical means:
Analysis of pesticide residues by sampling undisturbed soil (such as soil pollution investigation in a chemical industrial park in the Yangtze River Delta).
Utilize geophysical techniques, such as high-density electrical methods, to track the diffusion pathways of underground pollutants.

4、 Geological hazard prevention

Objective: To predict disaster risks such as landslides, mudslides, and ground subsidence, and develop prevention and control plans.
Case: After the Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area earthquake in Sichuan, the geological radar was used to detect the mountain cracks and assess the hidden dangers of secondary disasters.

5、 Scientific research

Objective: To reveal the evolution history of the Earth, the laws of plate movement, and support basic scientific research.
Typical project: Chinese Mainland Scientific Drilling Project (CCSD), which studies the genesis of ultra-high pressure metamorphic belt through 5000m deep hole cores.

6、 Groundwater Development and Protection

Objective: To identify the distribution, water quality, and recharge conditions of aquifers, and guide the rational utilization of water resources.
Application: In the exploration of groundwater overdraft area in North China Plain, the well logging technology is used to divide the water rich horizon and optimize the mining scheme.
Technical Support and Trends
Core technologies: drilling and coring (such as rope core drilling tools), geophysical exploration (seismic exploration, electromagnetic methods), remote sensing (satellite image interpretation).
Future directions: intelligent drilling rigs (such as Epiroc Pit Viper 271 automated drilling rig), big data analysis (AI prediction of mineral distribution), green exploration technology (low disturbance sampling).
summarize
Geological exploration is a bridge that connects the unknown underground with human needs, and its purpose runs through multiple fields such as resource development, engineering safety, and environmental protection. With technological advancements, exploration is transitioning from being "experience driven" to "data-driven", providing precise support for sustainable development.