I am a Physical Scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey in Denver, CO. I am the lead on the USMIN Mineral Deposit Database Project, which is providing inventories of U.S. mineral resources with a focus on critical minerals. My areas of expertise include geographic information systems (GIS), database design, and mineral resources.
Professional Experience
2017 to present, USGS Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Denver, CO
2014-2017, USGS National Minerals Information Center, Denver, CO
Education and Certifications
M.S. in Geographic Information Science, University of Denver, 2017
B.S. in Geology, Metropolitan State University of Denver, 2015
Affiliations and Memberships*
2019 to present, Geological Society of America
Science and Products
USMIN Mineral Deposit Database
Our objective is to develop a national-scale, geospatial database that is the authoritative source of the most important mines, mineral deposits, and mineral districts of the United States.
Filter Total Items: 14
Indium deposits in the United States
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides the descriptions of the only U.S. sites-including mining districts, mineral occurrences, and mine features-that have reported production and (or) resources of indium (In). This dataset contains the Bingham and West Desert deposits in Utah, and the Chino site in New Mexico.
Indium is considered a critical and strategic mineral because of its
Graphite deposits in the United States
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides the descriptions of 10 U.S. sites that include mineral regions, mineral occurrences, and mine features that contain enrichments of graphite. To be included in this data release, sites must have a contained resource and (or) past production of more than 1,000 metric tons of graphite, which is approximately 3 percent of the average annual U.S.
National Geochemical Database on Ore Deposits: Legacy data
There is a growing demand for commodities (elements, compounds, minerals) used in today's advanced technologies. Critical minerals are usually found in ore deposits that are deemed vital to economic and national security. The National Geochemical Database on Ore Deposits: Legacy data (NGDOD) contains chemistry and geologic information for nearly 30,000 historic ore and ore-related rock samples fro
Gallium Deposits in the United States
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides the descriptions of the only U.S. sites—including mineral regions, mineral occurrences, and mine features—that have reported production and (or) resources of gallium (Ga). The sites in this data release have contained resource and (or) past production of more than 16 metric tons Ga metal, which was the approximate average annual consumption
Tantalum Deposits in the United States
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides the descriptions of the only U.S. sites--including mineral regions, mineral occurrences, and mine features--that have reported production and (or) resources of tantalum (Ta). The sites in this data release have contained resource and (or) past production of more than 900 metric tons Ta metal, which was the approximate average annual consumpt
Niobium Deposits in the United States
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides the descriptions of 11 U.S. sites that include mineral regions, mines, and mineral occurrences that contain enrichments of niobium (Nb). To be included in this data release, a site must have a contained resource and (or) past production of Nb metal greater than 10,000 metric tons, which was the approximate consumption of Nb in the U.S. in 20
Tungsten Deposits in the United States (ver. 2.0, August 2020)
This is version 2.0 of Tungsten Deposits in the United States. This data release provides the descriptions of approximately 100 U.S. sites that include mineral regions, mineral occurrences (deposits), and mine features that contain enrichments of tungsten (W). This data release reports on U.S. mines and deposits with greater than or equal to 215 metric tons of tungsten metal (30,000 short ton unit
Global Geochemical Database for Critical Minerals in Archived Mine Samples
The Critical Minerals in Archived Mine Samples Database (CMDB) contains chemistry and geologic information for historic ore and ore-related rock samples from mineral deposits in the United States. In addition, the database contains samples from archetypal deposits from 27 other countries in North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Europe. Samples were obtained from archived ore collections u
Germanium Deposits in the United States
This data release provides data for the single site in the United States (U.S.) that has public record of germanium (Ge) production. Germanium, which is currently classified as a critical mineral in the U.S., is also extracted as a byproduct from deposits in Alaska, Washington, and Tennessee. However, there is no public information that documents germanium production from these deposits. Current a
Tin Deposits in the United States
This data release provides descriptions of more than 120 mineral regions, mines, and mineral deposits within the United States that are reported to contain enrichments of tin (Sn). This data release only includes sites with publicly available records of past production of tin, or a defined resource of tin, or both. The inclusion of a particular mineral deposit in this database is not meant to impl
Cobalt Deposits in the United States
This data release provides descriptions of more than 60 mineral regions, mines, and mineral deposits within the United States and its territories that are reported to contain enrichments of cobalt (Co). To focus the scope of this data release, we report only mined deposits and exploration prospects with past production, or resource and reserve estimates of 1,000 metric tons or more of cobalt. Coba
Tungsten Deposits in the United States
This database has been versioned where the new version supersedes the original database. Version 2.0 of Tungsten Deposits in the United States is available at https://doi.org/10.5066/P97NJLI4. Tungsten deposits have been mined in the United States since the late 19th century, but there has been minimal production of tungsten from mines in the United States since price crashes in the 1980's. Tungst
Can the mining industry meet global demand for critical minerals?
No abstract available.
Authors
Jeffrey L. Mauk, Jonathan Andrew Funk, Nick Karl
The critical minerals initiative of the U.S. Geological Survey’s mineral deposit database project: USMIN
The objective of the US Geological Survey’s mineral deposit database project (USMIN) is to develop a comprehensive twenty-first century geospatial database that is the authoritative source of the most important mines, mineral deposits, and mineral districts of the US. Since May 2017, the project has focused on critical minerals. Data for critical minerals that are produced as products are relative
Authors
Jeffrey L. Mauk, Nick A Karl, Carma A. San Juan, Liam Dandurand Knudsen, German Schmeda, Clayton Robert Forbush, Bradley S. Van Gosen, Morgan Mullins, Patrick Christopher Scott
Global nonfuel mineral exploration trends 2001-2015
The mission of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Minerals Information Center (NMIC) is to collect, analyze and disseminate information on the domestic and international supply of and demand for minerals and mineral materials essential to the U.S. economy and national security. Understanding mineral exploration activities and trends assists government policy makers, minerals industry decis
Authors
Nick Karl, David R. Wilburn
Global stocks of selected mineral-based commodities
IntroductionThe U.S. Geological Survey, National Minerals Information Center, analyzes mineral and metal supply chains by identifying and describing major components of mineral and material flows from ore extraction, through intermediate forms, to a final product. This report focuses on an important component of the world’s supply chain: the amounts and global distribution of major consumer, produ
Authors
David R. Wilburn, Donald I. Bleiwas, Nick A. Karl
Exploration review
This summary of international mineral exploration activities for the year 2015 draws upon information from industry sources, published literature, the SNL Metals & Mining (SNL) (Charlottesville, VA) data base, and specialists in the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Minerals Information Center. The summary provides data on exploration budgets by region and mineral commodity, identifies signif
Authors
David R. Wilburn, Nick Karl
Exploration review
This summary of international mineral exploration activities for the year 2014 draws upon information from industry sources, published literature, and specialists in the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Minerals Information Center. The summary provides data on exploration budgets by region and mineral commodity, identifies significant mineral discoveries and areas of mineral exploration, di
Authors
David R. Wilburn, Karyn A. Stanley, Nick A Karl
Science and Products
- Science
USMIN Mineral Deposit Database
Our objective is to develop a national-scale, geospatial database that is the authoritative source of the most important mines, mineral deposits, and mineral districts of the United States. - Data
Filter Total Items: 14
Indium deposits in the United States
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides the descriptions of the only U.S. sites-including mining districts, mineral occurrences, and mine features-that have reported production and (or) resources of indium (In). This dataset contains the Bingham and West Desert deposits in Utah, and the Chino site in New Mexico. Indium is considered a critical and strategic mineral because of itsGraphite deposits in the United States
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides the descriptions of 10 U.S. sites that include mineral regions, mineral occurrences, and mine features that contain enrichments of graphite. To be included in this data release, sites must have a contained resource and (or) past production of more than 1,000 metric tons of graphite, which is approximately 3 percent of the average annual U.S.National Geochemical Database on Ore Deposits: Legacy data
There is a growing demand for commodities (elements, compounds, minerals) used in today's advanced technologies. Critical minerals are usually found in ore deposits that are deemed vital to economic and national security. The National Geochemical Database on Ore Deposits: Legacy data (NGDOD) contains chemistry and geologic information for nearly 30,000 historic ore and ore-related rock samples froGallium Deposits in the United States
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides the descriptions of the only U.S. sites—including mineral regions, mineral occurrences, and mine features—that have reported production and (or) resources of gallium (Ga). The sites in this data release have contained resource and (or) past production of more than 16 metric tons Ga metal, which was the approximate average annual consumptionTantalum Deposits in the United States
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides the descriptions of the only U.S. sites--including mineral regions, mineral occurrences, and mine features--that have reported production and (or) resources of tantalum (Ta). The sites in this data release have contained resource and (or) past production of more than 900 metric tons Ta metal, which was the approximate average annual consumptNiobium Deposits in the United States
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides the descriptions of 11 U.S. sites that include mineral regions, mines, and mineral occurrences that contain enrichments of niobium (Nb). To be included in this data release, a site must have a contained resource and (or) past production of Nb metal greater than 10,000 metric tons, which was the approximate consumption of Nb in the U.S. in 20Tungsten Deposits in the United States (ver. 2.0, August 2020)
This is version 2.0 of Tungsten Deposits in the United States. This data release provides the descriptions of approximately 100 U.S. sites that include mineral regions, mineral occurrences (deposits), and mine features that contain enrichments of tungsten (W). This data release reports on U.S. mines and deposits with greater than or equal to 215 metric tons of tungsten metal (30,000 short ton unitGlobal Geochemical Database for Critical Minerals in Archived Mine Samples
The Critical Minerals in Archived Mine Samples Database (CMDB) contains chemistry and geologic information for historic ore and ore-related rock samples from mineral deposits in the United States. In addition, the database contains samples from archetypal deposits from 27 other countries in North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Europe. Samples were obtained from archived ore collections uGermanium Deposits in the United States
This data release provides data for the single site in the United States (U.S.) that has public record of germanium (Ge) production. Germanium, which is currently classified as a critical mineral in the U.S., is also extracted as a byproduct from deposits in Alaska, Washington, and Tennessee. However, there is no public information that documents germanium production from these deposits. Current aTin Deposits in the United States
This data release provides descriptions of more than 120 mineral regions, mines, and mineral deposits within the United States that are reported to contain enrichments of tin (Sn). This data release only includes sites with publicly available records of past production of tin, or a defined resource of tin, or both. The inclusion of a particular mineral deposit in this database is not meant to implCobalt Deposits in the United States
This data release provides descriptions of more than 60 mineral regions, mines, and mineral deposits within the United States and its territories that are reported to contain enrichments of cobalt (Co). To focus the scope of this data release, we report only mined deposits and exploration prospects with past production, or resource and reserve estimates of 1,000 metric tons or more of cobalt. CobaTungsten Deposits in the United States
This database has been versioned where the new version supersedes the original database. Version 2.0 of Tungsten Deposits in the United States is available at https://doi.org/10.5066/P97NJLI4. Tungsten deposits have been mined in the United States since the late 19th century, but there has been minimal production of tungsten from mines in the United States since price crashes in the 1980's. Tungst - Publications
Can the mining industry meet global demand for critical minerals?
No abstract available.AuthorsJeffrey L. Mauk, Jonathan Andrew Funk, Nick KarlThe critical minerals initiative of the U.S. Geological Survey’s mineral deposit database project: USMIN
The objective of the US Geological Survey’s mineral deposit database project (USMIN) is to develop a comprehensive twenty-first century geospatial database that is the authoritative source of the most important mines, mineral deposits, and mineral districts of the US. Since May 2017, the project has focused on critical minerals. Data for critical minerals that are produced as products are relativeAuthorsJeffrey L. Mauk, Nick A Karl, Carma A. San Juan, Liam Dandurand Knudsen, German Schmeda, Clayton Robert Forbush, Bradley S. Van Gosen, Morgan Mullins, Patrick Christopher ScottGlobal nonfuel mineral exploration trends 2001-2015
The mission of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Minerals Information Center (NMIC) is to collect, analyze and disseminate information on the domestic and international supply of and demand for minerals and mineral materials essential to the U.S. economy and national security. Understanding mineral exploration activities and trends assists government policy makers, minerals industry decisAuthorsNick Karl, David R. WilburnGlobal stocks of selected mineral-based commodities
IntroductionThe U.S. Geological Survey, National Minerals Information Center, analyzes mineral and metal supply chains by identifying and describing major components of mineral and material flows from ore extraction, through intermediate forms, to a final product. This report focuses on an important component of the world’s supply chain: the amounts and global distribution of major consumer, produAuthorsDavid R. Wilburn, Donald I. Bleiwas, Nick A. KarlExploration review
This summary of international mineral exploration activities for the year 2015 draws upon information from industry sources, published literature, the SNL Metals & Mining (SNL) (Charlottesville, VA) data base, and specialists in the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Minerals Information Center. The summary provides data on exploration budgets by region and mineral commodity, identifies signifAuthorsDavid R. Wilburn, Nick KarlExploration review
This summary of international mineral exploration activities for the year 2014 draws upon information from industry sources, published literature, and specialists in the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Minerals Information Center. The summary provides data on exploration budgets by region and mineral commodity, identifies significant mineral discoveries and areas of mineral exploration, diAuthorsDavid R. Wilburn, Karyn A. Stanley, Nick A Karl - News
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government