MinFrame - Methodological infrastructure needed for resource assessment, modeling, and evaluation
Assessing the mineral resources of the United States represents a core function of the Energy and Minerals Mission Area since the inception of the U.S. Geological Survey under the Organic Act of 1879. As reaffirmed by the Energy Policy Act of 2020, assessment of identified and undiscovered resources of critical mineral commodities continues to form a focal point of the Mineral Resources Program (MRP) research activities. This project is designed to drive innovation in mineral assessment workflows, making the mineral resource assessment process more efficient, accurate, and transparent. Ultimately, the goal is to deliver useful results to stakeholders and answer fundamental questions on the mineral endowment of the United States and the Earth.
Science Issue and Relevance:
This project is designed to drive innovation in mineral assessment workflows, making the mineral resource assessment process more efficient, accurate, and transparent. Ultimately, the goal is to deliver useful results to stakeholders and answer fundamental questions on the mineral endowment of the United States and the Earth.
Methodology to Address Issue:
The overall objective of this project is to develop the digital infrastructure needed to carry out quantitative mineral resource assessments in an efficient, effective, and timely manner. Building upon the legacy of the Development of Assessment Techniques and Analysis Project (DATAP) and leveraging the experience of the Mineral Resource Assessment Training (MRAT) participants, this project will collaboratively lend support to new and ongoing regional to national assessment projects throughout the MRP. The project is organized around five key outcomes. The tools and techniques needed to achieve the outcomes are categorized by task. Although there is some overlap between tasks, these activities work in concert to provide adaptable workflows applicable to any resource assessment project. Planned products will be highly dependent on MRP prioritization of assessments being conducted. Long-term products will include items such as data releases for machine readable grade and tonnage models with accurate locations, assessment tool software releases and toolboxes, prioritized lists of assessments, documented methodologies, and additional updated training materials.
