“探矿权,是指在依法取得的勘查许可证规定的范围内,勘查矿产资源的权利”。这个权利包括勘查施工、取得样品并处置样品,以及取得地质成果后的优先使用权等。在我国由于矿产资源是国家所有,开发矿产资源必须经过许可取得探矿权。取得的方式可是登记在先,也可以协议或竞标取得。从产业属性讲,探矿活动是矿业整体的一部分。由于矿产资源具有隐蔽性特征,开矿必须首先找矿,找矿是为了开矿。因此探矿活动完全是矿业的一种生产经营活动,不存在直接为国家找矿的问题。探矿的投入也和其产业活动一样, “Prospecting right means the right to prospecting mineral resources within the scope of the exploration license obtained according to law ”. This right includes exploration and construction, obtaining samples and disposing of samples, and prioritizing access to geological results. In our country, because the mineral resources are owned by the state, the development of mineral resources must be permitted to obtain exploration rights. However, the method of obtaining the registration first, you can also get an agreement or bidding. In terms of industrial properties, prospecting activities are part of the overall mining industry. Due to the hidden characteristics of mineral resources, mining must first prospecting, prospecting for mining. Therefore, prospecting activities are completely a kind of production and business activities of the mining industry. There is no direct prospecting for the country. The prospecting investment is also the same as its industrial activity,