About
The Mineral Resources Program supports data collection and research on a wide variety of non-fuel mineral resources that are important to the Nation’s economic and national security. The Program’s science portfolio encompasses a broad spectrum of mineral resource science allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the complete life cycle of non-fuel mineral resources and materials.
What We Do
The Mineral Resources Program (MRP) delivers unbiased science and information to increase understanding of mineral resource potential, production, and consumption, and how mineral resources interact with the environment. The Mineral Resources Program is the Federal Government's sole source for this mineral resource science and information.
Program History
Mineral resources science has been part of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) mission since it was formed by The Organic Act of March 3, 1879, for "classification of the public lands, and examination of the geological structure, mineral resources, and products of the national domain." This foundational USGS component stemmed from the need to survey mineral and water resources of the U.S.