Covered areas represent important exploration regions for the next generation of mineral discoveries. However, the cover layer acts as a barrier to geophysical and geochemical anomalies, presenting challenges in delineating exploration target areas, defining mineral target zones, and locating deep- seated orebodies. Based on mineral exploration theory, a comprehensive literature review, and practical field experience, this paper analyzes the physical characteristics of cover layers and the difficulties in mineral exploration. It systematically summarizes the current status and development trends of geophysical and geochemical techniques for exploring these concealed regions, with the aim of providing a reference for new strategic exploration initiatives. The research indicates that the difficulty of mineral exploration is not only related to the thickness of the cover layer but also closely linked to its physical characteristics and hydrogeological conditions. Accordingly, we propose a classification of covered areas into eight types: low- resistivity thin cover, low- resistivity thick cover, water- rich low- resistivity thick cover, low- resistivity ultra- thick cover, desert cover, volcanic rock cover, thrust fault cover, and composite cover. Among these, the low- resistivity thick, water- rich low- resistivity thick, and low- resistivity ultra- thick cover areas present greater challenges for mineral exploration. The study shows that China has widely tested and applied geophysical and geochemical exploration techniques in thin- cover areas, achieving significant results. It has also accumulated experience in mineral exploration in thick- cover areas, initially establishing various exploration technical systems for different mineral types in diverse covered areas. However, the challenges of delineating mineral target zones and detecting deep mineral bodies under thick cover layers remain unresolved. Looking ahead, research on precise detection technologies that penetrate thick cover layers will be a key development direction, with geophysical electromagnetic methods and stimulated electric/magnetic field detection technologies expected to advance rapidly. The diversification of geological information collection methods across air, ground, and well platforms, along with the integration of comprehensive information processing and artificial intelligence in mineral prediction, will become an inevitable trend. The integration of geological and geophysical research on ore- controlling structures and mineralization models in covered areas will play an increasingly important role.