Images

Map of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and nearby areas of Northern Wisconsin, with areas of overflights shaded in yellow (Wisconsin) and green (Michigan).

This map shows the mineral systems map from the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI). Through Earth MRI, USGS brings together federal and state experts to: 

Map showing Earth MRI data acquisitions from select years. See all acquisitions here. 

Map showing the 23 mineral systems identified by the Mineral Resources Program and Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)

Map showing Earth MRI data acquisitions from 2019-2021. See all acquisitions here. 

Map showing Earth MRI data acquisitions from select years. See all acquisitions here. 

Map showing Earth MRI data acquisitions from select years. See all acquisitions here. 

Map showing areas within the 23 mineral systems identified by the Mineral Resources Program and Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI).

Earth MRI: The First Five Years

The Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) is modernizing the Nation’s mapping and geoscience data, benefitting regions, states and local communities.

By the Numbers:

40 States and Territories partnered with Earth MRI

Map showing Earth MRI data acquisitions from select years. See all acquisitions here. 

Map showing Earth MRI data acquisitions from select years. See all acquisitions here. 

Gif showing increases in Earth MRI mapping data from 2019-2024. You can find all Earth MRI data acquisitions here. 

This image shows a 3d visualization of geophysical data collected over the Idaho Cobalt Belt by the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI). 

Map of areas with potential for key critical minerals in microchips. 

Map of areas with potential for key critical minerals in high capacity batteries. 

A map of the airborne geophysical survey area in the Medicine Mountains region of Wyoming

Maps showing parts of 23 mineral systems that could host critical mineral resources in the United States.  These areas are used to prioritize data collection and analysis by Earth MRI.

A view of the Boulder Mountains from US-12 west of Helena. These mountains lie at the north end of the Boulder Batholith.

A typical survey airplane. The magnetic sensor is placed in an extension on the back of the airplane to reduce the impact of the airplane’s own magnetic field. 

The anomaly at Pennington Mountain is visible in the geophysical data collected in aerial surveys conducted in 2021.

A fine-grained volcanic rock (trachyte) that hosts rare earth elements, niobium, and zirconium, all which are considered critical mineral resources. This rock was found on Pennington Mountain in Maine. Image courtesy of Chunzeng Wang, University of Maine-Presque Isle.