Media Advisory: media invited to view aircraft, equipment slated to map Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin critical mineral potential during low-level flights

Media representatives will hear from both USGS and state geological surveys about how data will be collected and how the science will apply at the local and national level. Opportunities for soundbites and visuals of the equipment will be available, as well as other USGS resources about Earth MRI.

What: Show-and-tell of aircraft and airborne electromagnetic equipment by USGS and state geologists

When: Friday, October 25, 2024, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

10 a.m. - Informational brief about the Earth MRI program, science, and equipment used in surveys

11 a.m. - Experts available for interviews and questions

Where: Dubuque Regional Airport, 10965 Aviation Drive, Dubuque, Iowa 52003

Interested media should RSVP by contacting Lauren Russell, (978) 500-1420, [email protected]. More information about entry to the event will be provided upon RSVP.

The following experts will be available:

• Paul Bedrosian, USGS research geophysicist: The lead USGS scientist heading the multi-state Earth MRI airborne electromagnetic survey who can speak to the program's mission and the technical aspect of the surveys. Dr. Bedrosian can also outline how the data generated by this AEM survey, and other types of EMRI surveys, allow scientists to see below the surface to create publicly available cross sections and maps.

• Pat McLaughlin, Illinois State Geological Survey geologist: An expert in the scientific underpinning that encouraged additional EMRI surveys in this region. Dr. McLaughlin can speak to the state of rare earth element industry as it is now, and how this survey footprint was specifically identified and designed to give insight into its unique enrichment compared to other areas of potential in the region.

• Ryan Clark, Iowa Geological Survey geologist: An expert in Iowa's bedrock geology and geologic mapping, with a focus on the Dubuque area. Having recently led a regional geochemical reconnaissance project to better understand the distribution of potential rare earth element-enriched phosphatic rocks and mine waste potential, Mr. Clark can speak to the specific application of the EMRI science to this region, including Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin.

• XCalibur: A representative from XCalibur, the company contracted to pilot and fly the survey, may be available to answer questions about the technical equipment and other FAA regulations.

Photo and video opportunities will include the scientists briefing the science, separate interviews, and visuals of the aircraft and equipment, including the electromagnetic sensors.