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.
Our Data
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
USGS releases assessment of undiscovered gas resources in Gulf Coast’s Haynesville Formation
USGS releases assessment of undiscovered gas resources in Gulf Coast’s Haynesville Formation
Media Alert: Low-level airplane flights to scan geology over parts of four Midwestern states
Media Alert: Low-level airplane flights to scan geology over parts of four Midwestern states
Interior Department releases final 2025 List of Critical Minerals
Interior Department releases final 2025 List of Critical Minerals
Publications
Depth of magma crystallization and fluid exsolution beneath the porphyry-skarn Cu deposits at Santa Rita and Hanover-Fierro, New Mexico, USA Depth of magma crystallization and fluid exsolution beneath the porphyry-skarn Cu deposits at Santa Rita and Hanover-Fierro, New Mexico, USA
The depth level at which porphyry Cu–forming magmas fractionated and exsolved mineralizing fluids is actively debated. In the classic model, extensive magma fractionation occurs in large, upper crustal magma chambers, and concomitant fluid exsolution leads to forceful expulsion of residual magmas in the form of porphyry dikes, stocks, and breccia pipes, which subsequently serve as...
Drone-based radiometric surveys provide high-resolution mine waste characterization Drone-based radiometric surveys provide high-resolution mine waste characterization
Airborne radiometric surveys use passive geophysical techniques to characterize geochemical variations at or near earth’s surface. These methods have been used for a variety of mapping applications, including mineral resource evaluation. However, detailed characterization of smaller geologic targets, including mine waste features, requires flying at lower altitudes and with tighter line...
New maps of natural radioactivity reveal critical minerals and more New maps of natural radioactivity reveal critical minerals and more
High-resolution airborne radiometric surveys are covering more ground than ever to provide insights into unseen geology, mineral resource potential, and possible health hazards.
Science
Mineral Commodity Statistics and Information
The National Minerals Information Center publishes statistics and information on the worldwide supply of, demand for, and flow of minerals and materials essential to the U.S. economy, the national security, and protection of the environment. The annual Mineral Commodity Summaries Report contains contains estimates covering nonfuel mineral industry data for over 90 individual minerals and materials...
International Minerals Statistics and Information
The USGS National Minerals Information Center canvasses domestic and international mineral industries on production and production values. International Minerals Statistics and Information are compiled and presented in the Minerals Yearbook Volume III - Area Reports: International. These annual reviews are designed to provide timely statistical data on mineral commodities in various countries.
State Minerals Statistics and Information
The USGS National Minerals Information Center canvasses domestic and international mineral industries on production and production values. State Minerals Statistics and Information are compiled and presented in the Mineral Commodity Summaries and the mineral commodity chapters in Volume 1 of the Minerals Yearbook. State chapters are in the Minerals Yearbook Volume II - Area Reports: Domestic...