An electromagnetic method used in mineral exploration in which a high-frequency current is used, ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 Hz, but, if necessary, a frequency as low as 50 to 3,000 Hz, can be made available. The detecting or direction-finding coil, mounted on a tripod, has the form of a pair of spectacles and is equipped with an amplifier and head telephone. When the exciting coil is energized, a current is caused to flow in the conductor and a secondary electromagnetic field is set up around the conductor. The detecting coil is affected by both the primary field from the exciting coil and the secondary field.