<p>The paper presents a novel comprehensive review of the possibilities of the Earth remote sensing (ERS) in the minerals search. The review allowed to establish the capabilities and limitations of ERS, as well as the general principles and methods of obtaining satellite images of the Earth. First time, various types of satellite images are brought together and methods of their use in the geological study of minerals are determined. The review practical significance lies in the description of the main stages of the process of obtaining information using ERS, including the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with objects on the Earth's surface, data recording and processing, image creation and interpretation of the results. Attention is paid to the structural analysis of satellite images, which allows identifying various geological structures. Spectral images and their role in the search for minerals are of particular importance. First time, based on a review of hundreds of articles, the spectral characteristics of minerals are analyzed, allowing them to be identified in images, and examples of the successful use of ERS in geological exploration are given. Important for the practical application of this review is the discussion of successful examples of the use of ERS in geological exploration. First time, the possibilities of using ERS on various types of landscapes, including plains, mountainous areas, deserts, water bodies and coastal zones, are comprehensively considered. Wide application of the results of the current review in ERS will reduce financial and time costs in the search for new mineral deposits.</p>