Critical minerals in zinc ore—An update on Earth Mapping Resources Initiative Research in the Boulder Batholith region, Montana
April 16, 2026
Plain Language Summary
U.S. Geological Survey research, in collaboration with Montana Technical University and Montana Bureau of Geology and Mines, is providing key critical mineral information that may have potential for critical mineral production of several mining districts in the Boulder Batholith region, to better understand the abundance and distribution of natural resources within this region. Continued research can be used to show the potential for previously undiscovered critical mineral resources in southwestern Montana and in other parts of the United States.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Title | Critical minerals in zinc ore—An update on Earth Mapping Resources Initiative Research in the Boulder Batholith region, Montana |
| DOI | 10.3133/fs20263064 |
| Authors | Sean Patrick Gaynor, Eric D. Anderson, Kyle A. Eastman, Karen Lund, Chris Gammons, Heather A. Lowers, Jay M. Thompson |
| Publication Type | Report |
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Series Title | Fact Sheet |
| Series Number | 2026-3064 |
| Index ID | fs20263064 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
| USGS Organization | Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center |
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Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)
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Related
Porphyry Copper Systems of the Boulder batholith, Montana
The project seeks to better understand the mineral systems of the Boulder batholith and surrounding region in Montana using new airborne geophysical data in conjunction with geologic mapping.
Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)
The goal of Earth MRI is to improve our knowledge of the geologic framework in the United States and to identify areas that may have the potential to contain undiscovered critical mineral resources. Enhancement of our domestic mineral supply will decrease the Nation’s reliance on foreign sources of minerals that are fundamental to our security and economy.