Highlights

• USGS is investing $3.8 million in geophysical surveys across three states to identify critical mineral resources.
• The initiative will map underground geology and mineral deposits and improve understanding of seismic activity and groundwater flow.
• Part of the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative, this project supports national security, economic development, and advanced energy technologies.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is investing $3.8 million (opens in a new tab), funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to conduct high-resolution geophysical surveys across Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas. This initiative, part of the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI), aims to enhance understanding of critical mineral resources essential to the U.S. economy, national security, and energy technologies.

The surveys will focus on areas with significant mining history, particularly Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) deposits known for lead and zinc ores. By collecting magnetic and radiometric data, scientists will map underground geology, identify mineral deposits, and better understand seismic activity, groundwater flow, and geologic structures.

State geological survey leaders praised the data’s unprecedented quality, which will help locate concealed mineral systems, pinpoint seismic sources, and expand knowledge of regional geology. The initiative supports broader goals, including geologic mapping, geochemical sampling, and historical data preservation. Since 2021, over $198 million of Earth MRI’s $320 million budget has been allocated to revolutionize geologic data collection nationwide.

All sorts of questions are relevant to this endeavor.  How will the findings directly impact the economic feasibility of extracting newly identified resources? What steps will be taken to mitigate the potential environmental consequences of mining in newly surveyed areas? How will USGS integrate its findings with private sector efforts to enhance resource extraction and processing?

What measures will ensure that local communities benefit from discoveries while addressing potential disruptions? Beyond initial surveys, what are the timelines and funding plans for further exploration and extraction efforts?

Rare Earth Exchanges will continue to track this effort.