Abstract: At present, enterprise-oriented reform to part of state-owned geological exploration units is irreversible.Deepening the enterprise-oriented reform of state-owned geological exploration units should not only follow the rules of historical experiences of the development and reform of state-owned geological exploration units, such as the “trial and error” approach, the “progressive” reform path, and the “adaptive” reform system.It is also based on practical problems and conform to the theoretical logic of the development and reform of state-owned geological exploration units, including heavy historical burden, weak economic foundation, unbalanced regional development, etc.The core of solving deep-seated contradictions and source problems of the reform is to strengthen top-level design; the key of prospecting market economy and mass production requirements of the reform is to make institutional arrangements；and then focus on a real steps to address their own development concept, clear the status and functions of the government, etc.