Abstract: Mining is a basic industry of the national economy. In the past for a long time, they were not conducive to the high-quality development of the mining industry which one-sided emphasis on geological factors without paying attention to technical and economic evaluation, and the extensive mining development destroyed the environment. Based on the model of double control and reasonable domain of mineral exploration, the proposed quaternion model for mining development believes that geology, technology, economy, and environment are the four basic factors influencing and controlling mining activities, which run through the entire process of mineral exploration and development. The geological reliability is the foundation, technical feasibility is the guarantee, economic profitability is the prerequisite, and environmental protection is the principle. Only when geological conditions are favorable and resource reserves are reliable, mining, selection and smelting technologies are feasible, expected economic benefits are significant and investment risks are controllable, and environmental protection requirements are met, the mining can achieve innovative, green, coordinated, and sustainable development. Mineral exploration and development must comply with regulations and be legal, and the connotation of “quaternion” model must be complied with legal provisions.