Abstract: From national management point of view,there are 4 stages in the course of mineral resources exploration and exploitation: mineral exploration and exploitation planning stage,basic geological investigating research stage,mineral exploration stage,and minerals exploitation stage.The process of mineral resources exploration and exploitation has periodic,progressive and repeated features.With the guide of the theory of sustainable development and scientific development view,this article generalizes 24 forms of economic value,outlines their meaning,and analyzes their connection.Based on abovementioned foundation,the hypothesis of differential ore rent is developed and improved.