Under the new situation of mineral exploration expanding to the covered area and deep, the short wave infrared spectroscopy (SWIR) technology has become key technical means to improve the prospecting efficiency with its advantages of rapid and accurate identification of altered minerals. In this paper, the principle of SWIR technology, common equipment and data processing software have been briefly introduced, and application of short wave infrared spectroscopy technology in the field of mineral exploration has been expounded. The SWIR exploration examples of gold, polymetallic, rare earth and diamond deposits in Shandong province have been listed. It is confirmed that this technology has significant advantages in the zoning of altered minerals, tracing hydrothermal mineralization centers, and the establishment of exploration identification system. It will provide important reference information for mineral exploration and show broad application prospects. In line with the development trends of geological exploration, the SWIR technology is expected to advance in three key directions in the future. Firstly, integration with thermal infrared spectroscopy technology to expand application domains; secondly, combination with remote sensing technology to achieve three-dimensional alteration mineral mapping; and thirdly, utilization of big data and machine learning for quantitative prediction of alteration minerals.