About
The Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (EMRI) is a USGS-led Mineral Resources Program established to modernize mapping of the Nation’s surface and subsurface. The focus is particularly on collecting data in areas with potential critical mineral resources that are essential for economic growth.
MGS is currently working on two Earth MRI projects:
- Watersmeet Dome Mapping
- Waste Pile Sampling
Watersmeet Dome Mapping
MGS is mapping and sampling the northern margin of the Watersmeet Dome where anomalous rare earth elements (REE), fluorite, Mo, U, Th, Hf, and Ta, have been reported. The most recent map compilation for the region was published in 1990 by the USGS. This investigation will examine the area in the context of advances in magmatic REE and IOA/IOCG deposit models over the past 30 years, as well as collect updated basic geological information. The project will take advantage of high resolution (1M) LiDAR and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) high-resolution magnetic survey, to help map the rugged, timbered area and interpret the extension. We plan to use limited SEM/microprobe analyses to ascertain the REE-bearing minerals and for geochronological analysis to assist in geological interpretations.
Mine Waste Pile Site Inventory and Characterization
The Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan experienced three major geologic periods of metallogenesis, resulting in world-class Precambrian deposits of copper, iron, and zinc, as well as smaller deposits of gold, silver, graphite, and feldspar. Widespread mechanized mining of these deposits began in the mid-19th century and helped to fuel the Industrial Revolution but led to hundreds of abandoned mine waste features. The MGS has catalogued historical mine waste sites in six western UP counties for a national inventory and plans to complete two more counties. Published and unpublished literature show that many mine waste materials have the potential to host critical minerals as defined by the USGS.
The MGS has also embarked on a two-year program to sample up to 40 historical waste dumps that may contain critical minerals. The project will produce a new standardized GIS database of selected legacy mine waste features, complete with geochemical analyses, mineralogy, and volumetrics. This information will be publicly available in the USGS National Inventory of Legacy Mine Sites and will contribute to a nationwide effort supporting critical mineral supply chains. Additionally, local stakeholders can utilize this resource to better understand these mine sites and to identify potential mine sites as candidates for remediation.
