The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is launching an extensive data collection effort through the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI), a collaborative project with state geological surveys designed to transform our knowledge of the nation’s geology and critical mineral resources. This initiative is crucial for the U.S. economy, national security and clean energy technology.
David Applegate, USGS Director, emphasized the need for this survey: “The United States is under-mapped and lacks sufficient high-quality data to fully understand our nation’s geologic resources. Earth MRI is addressing this gap by modernizing our mapping efforts and collecting an unprecedented volume of foundational data.”
The survey will focus on the Colorado Mineral Belt, a significant region with historical mining districts spanning from the San Juan Mountains to the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Collaborating with the Colorado Geological Survey, the project aims to gain insights into the distribution of rock units and faults that could reveal valuable mineral deposits.
Tien Grauch, lead USGS geophysicist, highlighted the survey’s potential benefits: “Understanding the formation of this region can provide insights into mineral resource distribution, earthquake potential, and groundwater flow pathways.” Patricia MacQueen, a USGS geophysicist, added, “This information will help us map mineral deposits, identify earthquake-prone faults, and assess areas with potential radon issues or groundwater impacts.”
The survey of the northeastern part of the mineral belt is one of three Earth MRI surveys planned for the region. The previous survey covered the southwestern block, completed in 2023, while the central block resumed this spring after a winter break.
Matt Morgan, state geologist and director of the Colorado Geological Survey, praised the partnership: “This survey would not have been possible without the collaboration with USGS. Such partnerships are essential for advancing our understanding of critical mineral systems and producing studies that future scientists and engineers will use.”
The airborne geophysical surveys will gather magnetic and radiometric data to map rocks from beneath vegetation and sediment cover to several miles underground. Magnetic data will help identify unrecognized faults and igneous intrusions, while radiometric data will reveal the amounts of potassium, uranium and thorium in rocks and soil.
Following the initial survey, further investments may include new geologic maps, topographic surveys, geochemical sampling, and other techniques to enhance the understanding of the region’s geologic framework.
