The systemetic investigation-research of resource economics is a newborn frontier science which has grownsteadily since the integrated survey of natural resources carried out in China after Liberation. Resource economics studies the relationships among national economic development, exploitation and utilization of natural resources, and environmental effects.lt expounds how to search for and utilize raw materials (resources) needed for production, and how to protect the eco-environment. Theoretically speaking, this is a science of studying productive force and inevitably involves the relations of production and superstructure. Therefore, exploitation and utilization of natural resources is its study object, and rational use of natural resources under proper planning and effective development of productive force are its basic tasks-It is characterized by (1) focusing on the exploitation and utilization of natural resources' (2) emphasizing the long-term strategic goal of regional development, and (3) stressing the suitability and rationality as well as unity with time and space.In this paper four concrete tasks of the investigationresearch of resource economics are put forward as follows: ( 1 ) To evaluate natural and social-economic condition, (2) to study the utilization of natural resources and the present situation of economic development in a given region, (3 ) to give comprehensive appraisal of the means of exploitation and utilization of natural resources with eco-environmental, economic and social benefits consideration, and ( 4 ) to estimate the procedures and the main steps necessary for achieving the long-term goal of regional development.In addition the current situation and experiences of studying resource economics abroad are briefly introduced. It is also pointed out that more attention should he paid to the fundamental study of resource economics and some research work urgently needed should he strengthened