Bipartisan Infrastructure Law helps remap Nevada for critical minerals

The data collection will be conducted through the USGS Earth Mapping Resource Initiative (Earth MRI), a partnership between the USGS and state geological surveys that is revolutionizing our understanding of the nation's geology and critical mineral resources that are vital to the U.S. economy, national security, and low-carbon energy technology.

"Earth MRI is delivering an unprecedented volume of foundational data that is crucial to identifying potential sources of critical and industrial minerals," said David Applegate, USGS director.

USGS geophysicists collaborated with the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology in designing the survey footprint. While the region contains several geologic systems known to host a range of mineral commodities, it has never been mapped with the quality or resolution delivered by Earth MRI data. The airborne magnetic and radiometric data being acquired during this survey allow for the detailed identification of bedrock geology at and beneath the Earth's surface.

"The data that come from this survey will complement the data we've acquired through other Earth MRI surveys and our own research efforts in the state, providing new information in areas we know are highly prospective for metals and minerals but where more information is needed to actually enable the discovery of mineral deposits, geothermal energy and other natural resources," said Simon Jowitt, an economic geologist and director of the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology.

In addition to mapping potential for critical minerals still in the ground, recent Earth MRI investments have also accelerated mapping in areas where metals and minerals may have been left behind during previous mining. Earth MRI is mapping and inventorying mine wastes including tailings that could contain minerals that were not the original mineral produced from the mine site. Surveys such as these in the Great Basin highlight the potential to find new sources of the commodities we require today at these historic sites.

Given Nevada's nearly 150-year history of mining activity, it's possible this survey could offer insight into such prospective secondary resources.

"Data we acquire here will allow us to catalog and characterize the waste for its mineral potential and may enable us to identify potential areas to extract minerals from mine waste, creating wealth from waste," said Jowitt.

These airborne geophysical surveys will collect a combination of magnetic and radiometric data. These data can be used to map rocks from just beneath trees, grass, and shallow sediment cover down to several miles underground. Magnetic data can be used to identify ancient faults, igneous intrusions, and other geologic features and potentially the signatures of mineral deposits. Radiometric data indicate the relative amounts of potassium, uranium and thorium in shallow rocks and soil.

Scientists use this information to help map rocks that may contain mineral deposits, faults that may rupture during an earthquake, areas that may be prone to increased radon, and areas likely to contain groundwater- or energy resources.

The initial airborne geophysical survey may be followed by additional investments including new geologic maps, topographic surveys, geochemical sampling, and other techniques to better understand the region's geologic framework.

Since 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has advanced scientific innovation through a $320 million investment for the USGS to better map the nation's mineral resources both still in the ground and in mine wastes and to preserve historical geologic data and samples. Through the end of fiscal year 2024, more than $160 million has been obligated for Earth MRI initiatives, propelling efforts to collect "once-in-a-generation" advancements in the nation's geologic and geophysical data mapping.

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The USGS provides science for a changing world. Learn more at www.usgs.gov or follow us on Facebook @USGeologicalSurvey, YouTube @USGS, Instagram @USGS, or X (formerly Twitter) at @USGS.

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