Based on the literature review, combined with the geological prospecting practice in Nanling and Gangdise metallogenic belts, the general concept of hornfels related to mineralization was defined. The geological features of major types of hornfels-related deposits were summarized. New advances of deep prospecting in mining districts with hornfels were presented. The results showed that the rock assemblage, humidity content, seal-open system, hornfels physicality and zonation, lithology of original rock and its spacial distribution should be considered during the deep prediction for blind rock body at the large scale of district and ore field.