Abstract: Makeng Mining is now the largest single magnetite ore underground mine in China.Based on the recent several years' mining practice of the first ore section in Makeng Iron Mine, a detailed secondary delineation of the orebody was conducted through the detailed production exploration, combination of exploration and production and utilization of development, cutting and extraction works, further deepening the understanding of the orebody.The production exploration of the middle ore section in this mine for cost reduction and efficiency increase is described, including the exploratory grid, influential factors, combination of production and exploration and reasonable optimization, which aims to further enhance the production exploration and to make an efficient rational utilization of mineral resource.

Key words: Makeng, Status quo, Production exploration, Influential factors, Exploratory grid, combination of production and exploration, Rational optimization, Sustainable development