Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

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.  

News

Explosive Colors: Unveiling the Mineral Magic Behind Fourth of July Fireworks

Explosive Colors: Unveiling the Mineral Magic Behind Fourth of July Fireworks

Mapping, Mine Wastes and More Critical Minerals Science:

Mapping, Mine Wastes and More Critical Minerals Science:

Low-level fixed-wing flights to image geology of Michigan and Wisconsin

Low-level fixed-wing flights to image geology of Michigan and Wisconsin

Publications

Assimilation of reduced carbon triggers platinum alloy saturation in mafic and ultramafic magmas Assimilation of reduced carbon triggers platinum alloy saturation in mafic and ultramafic magmas

It is generally observed that magmatic sulfide ores have higher ratios of Pd/Pt than the mantle-like values of their parental magmas. This discrepancy has defied simple explanation because the partitioning behavior of both elements between sulfide and silicate liquids is very similar. Assimilation of sulfur- and carbon-rich country rocks by mafic and ultramafic magmas is considered a...
Authors
Ying Zhou Li, William D. Smith, Michael Jenkins, Zhuosen Yao, James E. Mungall

Critical minerals in orogenic (gold) and Coeur d’Alene-type mineral systems of the United States Critical minerals in orogenic (gold) and Coeur d’Alene-type mineral systems of the United States

Orogenic and Coeur d’Alene-type mineral systems are produced by metamorphic devolatilization of thick volcanic or siliciclastic sedimentary rock sequences and the focused flow of hydrothermal fluids upwards along crustal-scale faults. Most orogenic systems are found along the Cordilleran orogen, stretching from California northwards into Alaska, whereas most Coeur d’Alene-type systems...
Authors
Ryan D. Taylor, Albert H. Hofstra

Critical minerals in mine waste Critical minerals in mine waste

Introduction Critical minerals are commodities with vulnerable supply chains that play a vital role in supporting the United States’ economy, national defense and security, emerging technologies, and energy independence. The prosperity of our Nation depends on generating a resilient supply of domestic critical minerals; mine waste may be an untapped source of these commodities. Mine...
Authors
Nadine Piatak, Sarah Jane White, Sarah Hayes, Robert R. Seal,

Science

Argon Geochronology

This project supports the USGS argon geochronology laboratory in Denver. The USGS 40Ar/39Ar geochronology laboratory is a state-of-the-art research facility for determining absolute ages of minerals and rocks. The 40Ar/39Ar laboratory contributes critical geochronology to individual USGS research projects and to partners in academia and other Federal agencies. This laboratory develops methodology...
Argon Geochronology

Argon Geochronology

This project supports the USGS argon geochronology laboratory in Denver. The USGS 40Ar/39Ar geochronology laboratory is a state-of-the-art research facility for determining absolute ages of minerals and rocks. The 40Ar/39Ar laboratory contributes critical geochronology to individual USGS research projects and to partners in academia and other Federal agencies. This laboratory develops methodology...
Learn More

Life Cycle of Critical Minerals: A Balanced Approach to Meeting Our Nation's Resource Demands

Critical minerals are essential to the Nation’s economy and security. Demand for critical minerals is increasing, and it is essential to balance the societal need for these minerals with efforts to understand the effects of mining on other natural resources and to develop techniques to minimize these effects. The USGS Minerals Resources Life Cycle Integrated Science Team (IST) focuses on the life...
Life Cycle of Critical Minerals: A Balanced Approach to Meeting Our Nation's Resource Demands

Life Cycle of Critical Minerals: A Balanced Approach to Meeting Our Nation's Resource Demands

Critical minerals are essential to the Nation’s economy and security. Demand for critical minerals is increasing, and it is essential to balance the societal need for these minerals with efforts to understand the effects of mining on other natural resources and to develop techniques to minimize these effects. The USGS Minerals Resources Life Cycle Integrated Science Team (IST) focuses on the life...
Learn More

Increased Mercury, Reduced Insect Diversity, and Food Web impacts from Historical Mercury Mining

U.S. Geological Survey scientists are seeking to understand the impacts of mercury mining on headwater streams, organisms, and food webs, focused on potential effects from historical mining in central Idaho. Mercury associated with mine waste can leave a legacy of contamination that continues to impact stream health in culturally and ecologically important headwater streams after mining activities...
Increased Mercury, Reduced Insect Diversity, and Food Web impacts from Historical Mercury Mining

Increased Mercury, Reduced Insect Diversity, and Food Web impacts from Historical Mercury Mining

U.S. Geological Survey scientists are seeking to understand the impacts of mercury mining on headwater streams, organisms, and food webs, focused on potential effects from historical mining in central Idaho. Mercury associated with mine waste can leave a legacy of contamination that continues to impact stream health in culturally and ecologically important headwater streams after mining activities...
Learn More
Was this page helpful?