Abstract：Exploration geochemistry has made great achievements both in basic knowledge of dispersion and distribution of elements and applications in mineral exploration since it was born in the 1930s. The author has generalized its growing up landmarks, reviewed its theoretical studies and contributions to mineral discoveries in the past 80 years, and described most active research fields at present. The growing up progress can be seen from the landmarks such as publication of classic text books, teaching of exploration geochemistry in universities, issuing of journals of geochemical exploration, establishment of associations of exploration geochemists and initiation of international exploration geochemistry symposia. Theoretical studies have been based on dispersion and distribution patterns of elements and mechanisms which control the dispersion and distribution of the elements. Exploration geochemistry, particularly applied to regional geochemical surveys/mapping, has delineated numerous geochemical anomalies leading to mineral discoveries all over the world. At present, the most active research fields are focused on 1）nano-scale and molecular-level understanding of migration mechanism of elements from covered mineral deposits, 2) regional-scale geochemical mapping; 3) global-scale geochemical baselines.