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What We Do

By Mineral Resources Program

The Mineral Resources Program (MRP) delivers unbiased science and information to increase understanding of mineral resource potential, production, and consumption, and how mineral resources interact with the environment. The Mineral Resources Program is the Federal Government's sole source for this mineral resource science and information.

Image: Copper
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Native copper. The USGS studies processes that form copper deposits and reports global production and consumption.

Program Goals

  1. Increase Understanding of Mineral Resource Formation
  2. Provide Mineral Resource Inventories and Assessments
  3. Broaden Knowledge of the Effects of Mineral Resources on the Environment and Society
  4. Provide Analysis on the Availability and Reliability of Mineral Supplies

The Mineral Resources Program supports data collection and research on a wide variety of non-fuel mineral resources that are important to the Nation's economic and national security. The Program's science portfolio encompasses a broad spectrum of mineral resource science, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the complete life cycle of non-fuel mineral resources and materials; this includes resource formation, discovery, production, consumption, use, recycling, and reuse, as well as an understanding of environmental issues of concern throughout the life cycle. The Mineral Resources Program is part of the USGS Energy and Minerals Mission Area.

Science Centers

Our work is conducted in five science centers:

Learn More About Our Program

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