What are critical minerals?
We lead the government in developing the List of Critical Minerals.
We lead the government in developing the List of Critical Minerals.
Modernizing Mapping
The Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) is modernizing mapping of the Nation's geology and critical mineral resources.
The Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) is modernizing mapping of the Nation's geology and critical mineral resources.
Mineral Supply Chains
The National Mineral Information Center (NMIC) is the authoritative source of mineral resource information, including statistics on mineral production, trade and supply chain risks.
The National Mineral Information Center (NMIC) is the authoritative source of mineral resource information, including statistics on mineral production, trade and supply chain risks.
Educational Resources
Dive into lesson plans, activities, infographics, fact sheets and other materials related to Mineral Resources Program science.
Dive into lesson plans, activities, infographics, fact sheets and other materials related to Mineral Resources Program science.
Connect with Us
Mineral Resources Program
We are the Nation’s primary source of scientific information about the full life cycle and supply chains of mineral resources, including critical minerals. Our science is essential to responsibly managing natural resources and to procuring minerals needed to sustain and advance modern manufacturing, technology, infrastructure, and energy production.
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Our Data
Explore our featured geologic data, mineral assessments, life cycle research and mineral supply chain analyses.
Our Science
Our Science
Click each topic below to explore the impact of our science.
News
Interior Department releases final 2025 List of Critical Minerals
Interior Department releases final 2025 List of Critical Minerals
Media Alert: Low-level flights to image geology over eastern Maine
Media Alert: Low-level flights to image geology over eastern Maine
Media Alert: Low-level flights to image geology over portions of the Blue Mountains in northeastern Oregon and western Idaho
Media Alert: Low-level flights to image geology over portions of the Blue Mountains in northeastern Oregon and western Idaho
Publications
Triple-oxygen isotopic evidence of prolonged direct bioleaching of pyrite with O2 Triple-oxygen isotopic evidence of prolonged direct bioleaching of pyrite with O2
Sulfate is often touted as containing atmospheric oxygen whose isotopic signature can constrain redox, environmental conditions, and biological activity. Yet, the amount and isotopic fractionation associated with air-O2 incorporation during sulfate formation is still debated, making its verification difficult. In this study, we identify a distinct, microbially dominated environment with...
Earth Mapping Resources Initiative protocols—Sampling hard-rock mine waste and perpetual mine water sources Earth Mapping Resources Initiative protocols—Sampling hard-rock mine waste and perpetual mine water sources
Supporting the overarching goal to evaluate critical minerals nationwide, the mine waste characterization effort in the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earth Mapping Resources Initiative has created a series of protocols to standardize sampling carried out under this effort by the participating State geological surveys and their cooperators. The protocols are based on published, reviewed...
Spatially resolved source apportionment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) within a post-industrial river catchment Spatially resolved source apportionment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) within a post-industrial river catchment
Source apportionment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in rivers is typically based on water concentrations, which cannot quantify PFAS loads or define geographical source areas. This study applied a river catchment-scale approach to identify PFAS source zones and assess the relative importance of industrial PFAS sources in the River Mersey, UK – a post-industrial, densely...
Science
What are Critical Minerals?
Critical minerals are essential to the economy and national security of the Nation and have supply chains that are vulnerable to disruption. The USGS leads the Federal government in developing the List of Critical Minerals and provides crucial and rich information about critical mineral availability, supply chains, and economic impacts. The USGS uses a cross-sectoral and data-driven approach to...
About the 2025 List of Critical Minerals
This page contains information about the 2025 List of Critical Minerals, including Frequently Asked Questions, related publications and more.
Critical Minerals in Alaska Placer Deposits and Southeast Alaska Mineral Systems
Critical minerals have been identified in most Alaskan placers, yet little is known about the concentration of these phases. Historic and active placer mines have typically produced gold and are widespread across Alaska. Activity in the placer districts has resulted in gravel piles and sluice tailings that are products of gold mining. Gold has been the traditional target of placer mining; however...