Abstract: Based on the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and 1052 relevant research documents were collected for mineral resources planning from 1979 to 2018 (included total quantity regulation of mineral resource, structural adjustment of mineral resources, mineral resources planning zoning, planning and layout of mineral resources, zoning of mining right establishment).Statistical analysis of the literature methods are also utilized, such as metrology, co-existing atlas analysis, and contribution analysis.The results show that the research on the theoretical methods of mineral resources has experienced three phases:slow start period, rapid advance period, and stable development period.Since 1990, the literature on the theoretical methods of mineral resources has been on the rise.Mineral resources planning, theoretical approaches, planning and layout, mining environment, development and utilization, sustainable development and other main points are hot topics in this field.What's more, there is a strong correlation between them.Institutions of higher education and institutions contribute a lot to institutions.The publication of journals published in the theoretical methods of mineral resources planning is relatively concentrated, and the detailed results are widely quoted, which has an extensive influence in the academic world.