We lead the government in developing the List of Critical Minerals.
We provide detailed mapping and foundational data related to geology and mineral resources.
We assess energy and mineral resources, including in energy and mine wastes.
Minerals and American Energy: what's the connection and how is our science helping?
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Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area
We lead the Nation’s geologic mapping and provide impartial scientific information on geologic resources and their supply chains. Our work includes leading the development of the List of Critical Minerals, assessing domestic and foreign energy and mineral resources, and mapping areas with resource potential.
Our science informs key investments and crucial resource management decisions to support a strong, secure and sustained Nation.
Our Research Programs
Our Research Programs
Our Programs deliver actionable science about the Nation's geology and geologic resources.
Our Science
Our Science
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News
New research shows prehistoric lake contributed to the birth of the Grand Canyon
New research shows prehistoric lake contributed to the birth of the Grand Canyon
Media Alert: Low-level airplane and helicopter flights to scan geology over southern, central New Mexico
Media Alert: Low-level airplane and helicopter flights to scan geology over southern, central New Mexico
Value of U.S. mineral production rose last year, driven by precious metals prices
Value of U.S. mineral production rose last year, driven by precious metals prices
Publications
Quantitative mineral resource assessment of lithium pegmatite deposits in the northern Appalachian orogen, USA Quantitative mineral resource assessment of lithium pegmatite deposits in the northern Appalachian orogen, USA
Lithium demand is projected to increase more than 48 times by 2040 due to electric vehicle production and other energy storage needs. Most lithium production is outside of the USA, thereby increasing supply chain vulnerability. The combined end use importance and heightened supply risk of lithium make this lightest metallic element a critical commodity to the USA. To mitigate this supply...
Rare earth element potential in coal and coal ash in the U.S. Gulf Coast Rare earth element potential in coal and coal ash in the U.S. Gulf Coast
United States heavy reliance on imports of critical minerals (CMs), including rare earth elements (REEs), underscores the importance of development of domestic sources. The study objective was to quantify CM and REE concentrations in coal and coal ash in the US Gulf Coast region. CM and REE concentrations were measured for 118 samples from outcrops and 14 mines in the Gulf Coast. Results...