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.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Mineral Resources Program continues a tradition of Federal leadership in the science of mineral resources that extends back before the beginning of the bureau. The need for information on metallic mineral resources helped lead to the creation of the USGS in 1879. Initially, USGS work focused on the geology of mineral deposits, including comprehensive studies of mining districts in the western U.S. The first USGS Director, Clarence King, recognized the importance of mineral statistics to the U.S. economy. Early data collection activities provided information used to begin the large databases currently supported by the Mineral Resources Program. Although responsibility for collection and maintenance of minerals information has moved in and out of the USGS over the years and the types of statistics that are collected, analyzed, and disseminated have changed over time, the collection of accurate minerals information continues to be an essential function of the Program.
Today, the Mineral Resources Program comprises two major functions that meet the needs of a diverse user community for minerals related information. A research and assessment function provides information for land-use planners and decision-makers about where mineral commodities are known or suspected to occur in the Earth’s crust, about the estimated quantity and quality of those deposits, and about how they interact with the environment. A data collection, analysis, and dissemination function describes current domestic and international production and consumption of about 100 selected mineral commodities for approximately 180 countries. Together these activities provide information for decisions on issues ranging from local land-use planning to national and international economic policy.
Mineral resources research and capabilities have evolved considerably from the original founding legislation to support the USGS mission to meet the changing needs of society and to take advantage of advances in science and technology. With globalization and increasing demand for minerals, particularly critical minerals used in current technologies, USGS continues to enhance the understanding of mineral resources relative to global and domestic supplies. Methodologies, techniques, and information developed to conduct mineral resource assessments on Federal lands have made the USGS a leader in collecting and delivering information used to make land-use decisions, to understand issues related to public health, and to ensure a secure and strong economy for the Nation.