This paper combs and summarizes the exploration work of salt lake deposits in China and the formulation and revision process of salt lake mineral exploration norms. It is considered that salt lake brine mine, as a liquid deposit, water is only its carrier, and its essential attribute is ore. while carrying out hydrogeological work, it is a suitable exploration method to find out the reserves of brine and associated resources according to the exploration methods of mineral products and carry out comprehensive evaluation; The formulation and revision of the salt lake brine exploration specification is a summary and improvement of the salt lake brine exploration work over the years, which is in line with the actual exploration of brine mines. The exploration results have been verified by the design and mining of mines. It is generally an applicable specification. Mr. Qian proposed to explore salt lake brine minerals according to the exploration and evaluation method of groundwater, ignoring the attributes of brine minerals and the characteristics of solid—liquid symbiosis, exaggerating the impact of surrounding water supply on salt lake minerals. The constraints of recoverable reserves proposed are different from those calculated by the mine design department, So the evaluation method of fresh water resources cannot be used to evaluate brine minerals.