What are critical minerals?
We lead the government in developing the List of Critical Minerals.
We lead the government in developing the List of Critical Minerals.
Modernizing Mapping
The Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) is modernizing mapping of the Nation's geology and critical mineral resources.
The Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) is modernizing mapping of the Nation's geology and critical mineral resources.
Mineral Supply Chains
The National Mineral Information Center (NMIC) is the authoritative source of mineral resource information, including statistics on mineral production, trade and supply chain risks.
The National Mineral Information Center (NMIC) is the authoritative source of mineral resource information, including statistics on mineral production, trade and supply chain risks.
Educational Resources
Dive into lesson plans, activities, infographics, fact sheets and other materials related to Mineral Resources Program science.
Dive into lesson plans, activities, infographics, fact sheets and other materials related to Mineral Resources Program science.
Connect with Us
Mineral Resources Program
We are the Nation’s primary source of scientific information about the full life cycle and supply chains of mineral resources, including critical minerals. Our science is essential to responsibly managing natural resources and to procuring minerals needed to sustain and advance modern manufacturing, technology, infrastructure, and energy production.
Our Data
Our Data
Explore our featured geologic data, mineral assessments, life cycle research and mineral supply chain analyses.
Our Science
Our Science
Click each topic below to explore the impact of our science.
News
Value of U.S. mineral production rose last year, driven by precious metals prices
Value of U.S. mineral production rose last year, driven by precious metals prices
Low-level helicopter flights to image geology over Wyoming and Colorado
Low-level helicopter flights to image geology over Wyoming and Colorado
USGS releases assessment of undiscovered gas resources in Gulf Coast’s Haynesville Formation
USGS releases assessment of undiscovered gas resources in Gulf Coast’s Haynesville Formation
Publications
Distinguishing natural from mining-related metal sources by including streambank groundwater data in a stream mass loading study Distinguishing natural from mining-related metal sources by including streambank groundwater data in a stream mass loading study
Distinguishing stream metal loading caused by mine features from that caused by natural background sources remains challenging, yet this distinction is essential for making effective remedial decisions at many legacy mine sites. We combine a stream tracer injection and synoptic sampling study with data from shallow near-stream groundwater wells to estimate left-bank versus right-bank...
Pre-eruptive characteristics of “suspect” silicic magmas in Carlin-type Au-forming systems Pre-eruptive characteristics of “suspect” silicic magmas in Carlin-type Au-forming systems
World-class Carlin-type Au deposits hosted in sedimentary rock were formed when profuse Eocene silicic magmatism swept across northern Nevada in response to arc migration. Carlin-type Au deposits formed along with porphyry/skarn Cu-Mo-W-Au deposits, epithermal Ag-Au deposits, and distal disseminated Ag-Au deposits. But unlike these other Au-bearing deposits that have clear associations...
Depth of magma crystallization and fluid exsolution beneath the porphyry-skarn Cu deposits at Santa Rita and Hanover-Fierro, New Mexico, USA Depth of magma crystallization and fluid exsolution beneath the porphyry-skarn Cu deposits at Santa Rita and Hanover-Fierro, New Mexico, USA
The depth level at which porphyry Cu–forming magmas fractionated and exsolved mineralizing fluids is actively debated. In the classic model, extensive magma fractionation occurs in large, upper crustal magma chambers, and concomitant fluid exsolution leads to forceful expulsion of residual magmas in the form of porphyry dikes, stocks, and breccia pipes, which subsequently serve as...
Science
Minerals and American Energy
Our science supports decisions at the mineral-energy nexus, helping decisionmakers plan for energy independence, security and resilience.
Geologic Mapping and Foundational Science
We deliver detailed mapping and foundational science about our Nation and world’s geology and geologic resources.
Mineral Commodity Statistics and Information
The National Minerals Information Center publishes statistics and information on the worldwide supply of, demand for, and flow of minerals and materials essential to the U.S. economy, the national security, and protection of the environment. The annual Mineral Commodity Summaries Report contains contains estimates covering nonfuel mineral industry data for over 90 individual minerals and materials...