Abstract: The paper introduces the feasibility of applying radon gas in metal ore prospecting and reviews the previous achievements in metal ore exploration.The analysis indicates that applying the radon gas in metal ore prospecting is an efficient deep-penetration exploration method.Presently, it is mainly used to find concealed gold deposit of fractured structural type, W-Sn-Ta-Nb deposit of granite type and hydrothermal multi-metal deposits.The abnormalities can be positive or negative.The problems in this respect include the lack of study on radon gas source, transportation and abnormality formation mechanism; the inability to judge the ore bearing potentiality of fractured belt or structure; the lack of radon gas abnormity decomposition and reconstruction techniques; and the lack of a radon gas abnormal mode for typical metal deposits.Finally, some research subjects concerning the application of radon gas in metal ore prospecting are proposed.

Key words: Radon gas, Metal ore, Abnormal mode, Deep penetration, Progress in research and application