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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?
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.
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Our Programs deliver actionable science about the Nation's geology and geologic resources.
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News
Media Alert: Low-level flights to image geology of northeast Nevada
Media Alert: Low-level flights to image geology of northeast Nevada
From Earth to Sky: How Minerals Create the Dazzling Colors of Independence Day Fireworks
From Earth to Sky: How Minerals Create the Dazzling Colors of Independence Day Fireworks
USGS: Lithium in Carolinas Could Replace Imports for a Century or More
USGS: Lithium in Carolinas Could Replace Imports for a Century or More
Publications
Regional characterization of coal resources in the Gulf Coast Coal Region—In support of coal as a potential source for critical minerals and rare earth elements Regional characterization of coal resources in the Gulf Coast Coal Region—In support of coal as a potential source for critical minerals and rare earth elements
There is increasing interest in extracting critical minerals (CM), including rare earth elements (REE), from coals in the United States to address the overreliance on imported REE. The Gulf Coast and the Fort Union regions are the two major lignite-bearing regions within the United States. Recent REE and CM studies of the lignite in these regions have indicated that the coals may be a...
Spatio-temporal modeling for assessing geoenergy resources: A workflow applied to gas in place variation in coal beds Spatio-temporal modeling for assessing geoenergy resources: A workflow applied to gas in place variation in coal beds
The ability to estimate spatio-temporal changes in hydrocarbon reservoir properties and energy resources within pore volumes is essential for optimizing production, reservoir management, geologic energy storage, and safety in underground mining operations. In coal seams, predicting remaining methane gas-in-place (GIP) is critical for quantifying producible gas and improving mine safety...