Critical Minerals

Examples of Michigan’s Critical Minerals: potash sylvite (left, lighter colors) graphite
(center, dark) and manganese (two specimens on right)
JUNE 2019-2022 | Searching for critical minerals in Michigan
At the Michigan Geological Survey and the Michigan Geological Repository for Research and Education, we are leaving no stone unturned in our search for minerals you may never have heard of, like sylvite, cesium, and manganese. Why?
Because America depends on resources like these, defined by the Department of the Interior as the 35 “critical minerals and rare earth elements.” But we are not producing enough of them. In fact, we are not producing any of some of the “rare earth elements.” We import 90% or more of these minerals and elements—mostly from China.
And America’s dependence on foreign sources has increased dramatically. In the 1990’s, America was the world’s top minerals producer and exporter. Now we are the world’s top importer, making us increasingly vulnerable to supply shortages and price volatility.
Our research grants from the U S Geological Survey focus on finding these minerals in Michigan. Dr. William Harrison, former MGRRE Director, is leading a research team comprised of John A. Yellich, director of the Michigan Geological Survey; Dr. Peter J. Voice, research scientist and geologist; Jennifer L. Trout, data manager and geologist; and several graduate and undergraduate students.
In an NPR interview, Stateside discusses Michigan’s role in researching these raw materials with Drs. William Harrison and Peter Voice. Scroll down to “SS 20190716 WMU Michigan Minerals.mp3 Stateside’s conversation with Bill Harrison and Peter Voice.”
Does Michigan have the potential to support the national need for essential critical minerals?
Yellich (2023)
Click here for more information

MGS received funding through the Critical Minerals Mandate of 2018 to look at Michigan’s critical mineral potential. Working alongside eachother, USGS, the DOE, Michigan Technological University, MGS and industry have compiled reports and data to idenfity areas that have potential for critical minerals such as tellurium, bismuth, rare earths, copper, zinc, and graphite.