This paper is the result of mineral exploration engineering.

Objective The middle part of Nanling metallogeny belt, an important resource base of non–ferrous metal, energy minerals, non–metallic minerals, groundwater and gas minerals, has superb metallogenic geological conditions, abundant mineral types and complex mineralization types. In depth understanding of the metallogenic law is the key to carry out regional metallogenic theory research and to achieve prospecting breakthrough.

Methods In this paper, the metallogenic regularity and prospecting direction of the middle part of Nanling metallogenic belt are summarized and studied on the basis of the abundant previous data.

Results The main ore–controlling geological conditions are identified and the two ore–controlling structure frameworks are determined in the middle part of Nanling metallogeny belt. Depending on the characteristics of mineral resources, the metallogenic characteristics, rules and evolution are summarized, and regional magmatic evolution and metallogenic potential are further discussed. Moreover, 50 minerals, 872 ore deposits and 15 deposit types developed in the middle part of Nanling metallogeny belt are sorted out, and the predominant magmatism characteristics, evolution and metallogenic potential are discussed.

Conclusions The prospecting of the middle part of Nanling metallogeny belt should be focused on: comprehensive prediction of U ore near the contact zone, sliding overburden structure of coal mine, metamorphic and weathering type Fe ore in pyrite mining areas, comprehensive prediction and exploration of missing types of non–ferrous metals, exploration new types of rare and scattered metals and independent Au ore, protection and exploitation the associated gem mine. Two important prospecting potential areas, which include Qitianling and its surrounding, and Lechang–Shaoguan–Wengyuan, are proposed for the key region for prospecting breakthrough of tungsten, tin, molybdenum, bismuth, copper, zinc, uranium, rare earth, etc.