USMIN Mineral Deposit Database

USGS

USMIN Mineral Deposit Database

USGS · 2024 · Gold Maps

Authoritative national-scale geospatial database of the most significant mines, deposits, and mining districts in the United States. Includes mine features…

Public-domain full text preserved in the Mountain Man Mining Library. Original source: www.usgs.gov.

USMIN Mineral Deposit Database

Active

By Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

February 13, 2026

Welcome to USMIN

Mineral Deposit Database

Learn more

Abandoned Mine Lands Inventory

Learn more

National Mine Waste Inventory

Learn more

Overview

Science

Data

Publications

Software

News

Partners

The USMIN Mineral Deposit Database Project develops national-scale geospatial databases that provide authoritative information on the most significant mines, mineral deposits, and mining districts in the United States. These resources advance the understanding of domestic mineral resources and are available through the output of digital data products, journal articles, presentations, and other USGS series publications.

Prospect- and mine-related features on USGS topographic maps

Symbols indicating mining-related features digitized from historical USGS topographic maps in the western part of the conterminous US. Includes prospect pits, mine shafts and adits, quarries, open-pit mines, tailings piles and ponds, gravel and borrow pits, and other features.

Get geospatial data

USMIN Mineral Deposit Geospatial Data

A developing national-scale geospatial database that will be an authoritative source of information on the most important mines, mineral deposits, and mineral districts of the United States.

Get geospatial data

USMIN's Role Within the USGS

The USMIN Mineral Deposit Database Project collects, evaluates, and publishes data related to mineral resources, mine sites, and mine waste across the United States. These data support decision-making in land-use planning, hazard evaluation, and resource assessment. USMIN provides expertise in compiling authoritative datasets and making them publicly accessible. The project also contributes to scientific studies and collaborates with researchers and agencies to advance mineral resource research.

Based at the Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center in Denver, Colorado, and part of the Mineral Resources Program, USMIN verifies and improves legacy databases while conducting ongoing research to enhance the understanding of mineral resources.

Recently Completed Work: Prospect- and Mine- Related Features from USGS Topographic Maps

Media

Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details

Prospect- and Mine-Related Features from U.S. Geological Survey 7.5- and 15-Minute Topographic Quadrangle Maps of the US Horton, J.D., and San Juan, C.A., 2016, Prospect- and mine-related features from U.S. Geological Survey 7.5- and 15-minute topographic quadrangle maps of the United States (ver. 10.0, May 2023): U.S. Geological Survey data release, ://doi.org/10.5066/F78W3CHG .

USGS topographic maps have been a hallmark product since the 1880s. From the late 1800s through 2006, these maps included symbols representing mine-related features. Over more than a decade, the USMIN team digitized these symbols into a comprehensive database of approximately 600,000 mining-related features. This dataset illustrates the history and geographic trends of mining in the United States and serves as a foundation for research on hazard, evaluation, mineral assessments, and mine waste inventory.

Current Projects

USMIN advances national priorities by improving our understanding of critical mineral resources through databases of critical mineral deposits and non-fuel mine waste, which may contain valuable commodities. USMIN is also creating a national inventory of abandoned mine features to enhance risk assessment and support land management decisions.

Mineral Deposit Database

National Mine Waste Inventory

Abandoned Mine Land Inventory

Study Area

Contacts

Nick Karl

Physical Scientist

Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Email

nkarl@usgs.gov

Phone

303-236-1222

Ryan D Taylor

Research Geologist

Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Email

rtaylor@usgs.gov

Phone

303-236-1882

Explore Search

Geology

Information Systems

Maps and Mapping

Methods and Analyses

Minerals

Science Technology

Mineral Resources Program (MRP)

United States of America

Mineral Resources Program

Rocky Mountain Region

Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Alaska Geology and Mineral Resources

Concealed Deposits

Critical Resources

Data Inventory and Analysis

Deposit Characterization and Identification

Economic Geology

Geologic Models

Geospatial Analysis and Mapping

Legacy Mining Activities

Midcontinent Region Resources

Mineral Resource Applications

Mineral Resource Assessments

Mineral Resources

Mineralogy

Ore Deposit Genesis

Undiscovered Resources

Critical Minerals

Data Series

Databases

Deposit Models

Domestic Statistics

Metals in Waste

Mine Waste

Mineral Commodities

Mineral Production

Mineral Resource Formation

Mineral Statistics

Rare Earth Elements (REE)

Regional Assessment

GIS and Data

View All

Below are other science projects associated with this project.

September 30, 2024

GIS and Information Management - GGGSC

We support the geospatial component of Mineral Resources Program research and provide public access to research results and geospatial information. We facilitate all aspects of the data life cycle, including the publication and archiving of geospatial information and products. We also develop and steward national-scale data layers considered foundational to the Mineral Resources Program as well as...

By

Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

GIS and Information Management - GGGSC

September 30, 2024

GIS and Information Management - GGGSC

We support the geospatial component of Mineral Resources Program research and provide public access to research results and geospatial information. We facilitate all aspects of the data life cycle, including the publication and archiving of geospatial information and products. We also develop and steward national-scale data layers considered foundational to the Mineral Resources Program as well as...

Learn More

January 21, 2022

Mineral Resource Online Data Catalog

This project makes the digital spatial data produced by the Mineral Resources Program available via a web portal so that users can easily access spatial data for solving scientific and technical problems: the Mineral Resources Online Spatial Data site.

By

Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Mineral Resource Online Data Catalog

January 21, 2022

Mineral Resource Online Data Catalog

This project makes the digital spatial data produced by the Mineral Resources Program available via a web portal so that users can easily access spatial data for solving scientific and technical problems: the Mineral Resources Online Spatial Data site.

Learn More

October 1, 2019

Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)

The goal of Earth MRI is to improve our knowledge of the geologic framework in the United States and to identify areas that may have the potential to contain undiscovered critical mineral resources. Enhancement of our domestic mineral supply will decrease the Nation’s reliance on foreign sources of minerals that are fundamental to our security and economy.

By

Mineral Resources Program

Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)

October 1, 2019

Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)

The goal of Earth MRI is to improve our knowledge of the geologic framework in the United States and to identify areas that may have the potential to contain undiscovered critical mineral resources. Enhancement of our domestic mineral supply will decrease the Nation’s reliance on foreign sources of minerals that are fundamental to our security and economy.

Learn More

Below are data releases associated with this project.

Filter Total Items: 26

January 20, 2026

National Mine Waste Inventory

This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release is a collaborative geospatial database compiled by the USGS and participating State geological surveys, with support from the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) program. The database represents the first phase of cataloging above-ground mine waste features —such as tailings and waste rock piles— that are remnants of historical...

By

Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area , Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center , Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center , Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)

September 18, 2025

Consolidated Prospect- and Mine-Related Features from U.S. Geological Survey 7.5- and 15-Minute Topographic Quadrangle Maps of the United States

These data, modified from Horton and San Juan (2016), are a consolidation of point and polygon features representing mine and prospect-related symbols shown on U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5- and 15-minute topographic maps from the Historical Topographic Map Collection (HTMC). This consolidation supports more accurate counts of mine features represented in the database, which are...

By

Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

October 3, 2022

Indium deposits in the United States

This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides the descriptions of the only U.S. sites-including mining districts, mineral occurrences, and mine features-that have reported production and (or) resources of indium (In). This dataset contains the Bingham and West Desert deposits in Utah, and the Chino site in New Mexico. Indium is considered a critical and strategic mineral...

By

Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

May 2, 2022

Prospect- and Mine-Related Features from U.S. Geological Survey 7.5- and 15-Minute Topographic Quadrangle Maps of the United States (ver. 10.0, May 2023)

Version 10.0 of these data are part of a larger U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) project to develop an updated geospatial database of mines, mineral deposits, and mineral regions in the United States. Mine and prospect-related symbols, such as those used to represent prospect pits, mines, adits, dumps, tailings, etc., hereafter referred to as 'mine' symbols or features, have been digitized...

By

Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

January 31, 2022

Graphite deposits in the United States

This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides the descriptions of 10 U.S. sites that include mineral regions, mineral occurrences, and mine features that contain enrichments of graphite. To be included in this data release, sites must have a contained resource and (or) past production of more than 1,000 metric tons of graphite, which is approximately 3 percent of the average...

By

Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center , Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)

February 24, 2021

Digital map of iron sulfate minerals, other mineral groups, and vegetation of the San Juan Mountains, Colorado, and Four Corners Region derived from automated analysis of Landsat 8 satellite data

Multispectral remote sensing data acquired by the Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) sensor were analyzed using a new, automated technique to generate a map of exposed mineral and vegetation groups in the western San Juan Mountains, Colorado and the Four Corners Region of the United States (Rockwell and others, 2021). Spectral index (e.g. band-ratio) results were combined into...

By

Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

February 24, 2021

Digital map of iron sulfate minerals, other mineral groups, and vegetation of the western United States derived from automated analysis of Landsat 8 satellite data

Multispectral remote sensing data acquired by Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) sensor were analyzed using an automated technique to generate surficial mineralogy and vegetation maps of the conterminous western United States. Six spectral indices (e.g. band-ratios), highlighting distinct spectral absorptions, were developed to aid in the identification of mineral groups in exposed...

By

Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

February 23, 2021

Gallium Deposits in the United States

This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides the descriptions of the only U.S. sites—including mineral regions, mineral occurrences, and mine features—that have reported production and (or) resources of gallium (Ga). The sites in this data release have contained resource and (or) past production of more than 16 metric tons Ga metal, which was the approximate average annual...

By

Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

February 9, 2021

Tantalum Deposits in the United States

This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides the descriptions of the only U.S. sites--including mineral regions, mineral occurrences, and mine features--that have reported production and (or) resources of tantalum (Ta). The sites in this data release have contained resource and (or) past production of more than 900 metric tons Ta metal, which was the approximate average...

By

Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

February 4, 2021

Niobium Deposits in the United States

This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides the descriptions of 11 U.S. sites that include mineral regions, mines, and mineral occurrences that contain enrichments of niobium (Nb). To be included in this data release, a site must have a contained resource and (or) past production of Nb metal greater than 10,000 metric tons, which was the approximate consumption of Nb in the...

By

Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

September 14, 2020

Tungsten Deposits in the United States (ver. 2.0, August 2020)

This is version 2.0 of Tungsten Deposits in the United States. This data release provides the descriptions of approximately 100 U.S. sites that include mineral regions, mineral occurrences (deposits), and mine features that contain enrichments of tungsten (W). This data release reports on U.S. mines and deposits with greater than or equal to 215 metric tons of tungsten metal (30,000...

By

Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

June 2, 2020

Data to accompany U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2020-3017: Pyrrhotite distribution in the conterminous United States

The mineral pyrrhotite, which is an unstable sulfide mineral, was present in crushed stone aggregate used in concrete foundations of homes in Connecticut and Massachusetts, many of those foundations are failing as the mineral weathers. Because of the substantial costs of lifting homes and replacing their foundations, in 2019 the U.S. Congress directed the U.S. Geological Survey?s (USGS)...

By

Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Below are publications associated with this project.

March 14, 2025

The abandoned mine inventory of the United States—A brief summary

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 required the Secretary of the Interior to establish a program to inventory abandoned hard-rock mines in the United States. The Department of the Interior’s Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance asked the U.S. Geological Survey’s Mineral Deposit Database project (USMIN) to use existing data sources to build an inventory of all...

Authors

Jeffrey L. Mauk, Nick A Karl, Justin S. Pierson, Carma A. San Juan

By

Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

May 1, 2024

Annual review 2023: Critical minerals

No abstract available.

Authors

Graham W. Lederer, James V. Jones, Darcy McPhee, Jeffrey L. Mauk, Robert R. Seal,, Kate M. Campbell, Jane M. Hammarstrom, Paul A. Bedrosian, Patricia Grace Macqueen, Garth E. Graham, Federico Solano, George N.D. Case, David George Pineault

By

Ecosystems Mission Area , Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area , Mineral Resources Program , Alaska Science Center , Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center , National Minerals Information Center

September 13, 2023

Can the mining industry meet global demand for critical minerals?

No abstract available.

Authors

Jeffrey L. Mauk, Jonathan Andrew Funk, Nick Karl

By

Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

May 1, 2022

USGS Critical Minerals Review: 2021

In 2021, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) continued to play a central role in understanding and anticipating potential supply chain disruptions by defining and quantitatively evaluating mineral criticality. In addition, the USGS continued to evaluate new sources of domestic critical minerals by conducting mineral resource assessments, mapping and surveying regions prospective for...

Authors

Steven M. Fortier, Nedal T. Nassar, Garth E. Graham, Jane M. Hammarstrom, Warren C. Day, Jeffrey L. Mauk, Robert R. Seal,

By

National Minerals Information Center

May 1, 2021

USGS 2020 critical minerals review

Concerns about the lack of domestic production and availability of essential mineral raw materials were a recurring theme throughout the 20th century, particularly in the periods around armed conflicts (Congressional Research Service, 2019). These concerns resulted in the designation of particular minerals as “strategic” or “critical,” terms that commonly depend on the perspective of the...

Authors

Steven M. Fortier, Nedal T. Nassar, Karen D. Kelley, Graham W. Lederer, Jeffrey L. Mauk, Jane M. Hammarstrom, Warren C. Day, Robert R. Seal,

By

Mineral Resources Program , National Minerals Information Center

February 8, 2021

The critical minerals initiative of the U.S. Geological Survey’s mineral deposit database project: USMIN

The objective of the US Geological Survey’s mineral deposit database project (USMIN) is to develop a comprehensive twenty-first century geospatial database that is the authoritative source of the most important mines, mineral deposits, and mineral districts of the US. Since May 2017, the project has focused on critical minerals. Data for critical minerals that are produced as products...

Authors

Jeffrey L. Mauk, Nick A Karl, Carma A. San Juan, Liam Dandurand Knudsen, German Schmeda, Clayton Robert Forbush, Bradley S. Van Gosen, Morgan Mullins, Patrick Christopher Scott

By

Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

March 26, 2020

Pyrrhotite distribution in the conterminous United States, 2020

In parts of Connecticut and Massachusetts, foundations of some homes are cracking and crumbling. Failing foundations can reduce the market value of a home and lifting a house to replace and repour a foundation is an expensive undertaking. In response, some homeowners are defaulting on their mortgages and abandoning their homes. The culprit is pyrrhotite, which occurs in construction...

Authors

Jeffrey L. Mauk, Thomas C. Crafford, John D. Horton, Carma A. San Juan, Robinson

By

Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

June 18, 2019

USGS critical minerals review

The United States’ supply of critical minerals has been a concern and a source of potential strategic vulnerabilities for U.S. economic and national security interests for decades (for example, see Strategic and Critical Minerals Stockpiling Act, 1939). More recently, with the rapid increase in the types of materials being used in advanced technologies (Fortier et al. 2018a), and...

Authors

Steven M. Fortier, Jane M. Hammarstrom, Sarah J. Ryker, Warren C. Day, Robert R. Seal,

By

Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area , Mineral Resources Program , National Minerals Information Center , Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)

May 27, 2018

USGS critical minerals review

The United States’ supply of critical minerals has been a concern and a source of potential strategic vulnerabilities for U.S. economic and national security interests for decades (for example, see Strategic and Critical Minerals Stockpiling Act, 1939). More recently, with the rapid increase in the types of materials being used in advanced technologies (Fortier et al. 2018a), and...

Authors

Steven M. Fortier, Jane M. Hammarstrom, Sarah J. Ryker, Warren C. Day, Robert R. Seal

By

Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center , National Minerals Information Center

February 22, 2026

Geospatial tool for mine waste volume calculations from remote sensing source code

This geospatial tool is designed to calculate an estimated volume of mine waste using a polygon outline of the mine waste and elevation data obtained from remote sensing. The tool is developed to run as a toolbox in the ESRI ArcGIS Pro application. It calculates the volume using the geospatial data and a linear regression method described in the accompanying publication. This tool has...

By

Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area , Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center , Western Geographic Science Center

Below are news stories associated with this project.

USGS Updates Mineral Database with Graphite Deposits in the United States

February 28, 2022

USGS Updates Mineral Database with Graphite Deposits in the United States

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has updated the U.S. Mineral Deposit Database (USMIN) to include 10 sites with historical graphite production or...

Read Article

USGS Updates Mineral Database with Gallium Deposits in the United States

March 11, 2021

USGS Updates Mineral Database with Gallium Deposits in the United States

In the latest database update based on the Critical Minerals List, the USGS has added Gallium to USMIN.

Read Article

USGS Updates Mineral Database with Tantalum Deposits in the United States

March 9, 2021

USGS Updates Mineral Database with Tantalum Deposits in the United States

The USGS has added the critical mineral commodity tantalum to USMIN.

Read Article

USGS Updates Mineral Database with Niobium Deposits in the United States

February 16, 2021

USGS Updates Mineral Database with Niobium Deposits in the United States

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has updated its  USMIN Mineral Deposit Database  (USMIN) for the mineral commodity niobium, one of 35 mineral...

Read Article

USGS Updates Mineral Database with Tungsten Deposits in the United States

September 14, 2020

USGS Updates Mineral Database with Tungsten Deposits in the United States

The USGS has updated its USMIN Mineral Deposit Database for the mineral commodity tungsten, one of 35 minerals declared critical by the Department of...

Read Article

New USGS Map Helps Identify Where Pyrrhotite, a Mineral that Can Cause Concrete Foundations to Fail, May Occur

April 29, 2020

New USGS Map Helps Identify Where Pyrrhotite, a Mineral that Can Cause Concrete Foundations to Fail, May Occur

The USGS has released its first-ever map of where the mineral pyrrhotite may occur in the contiguous United States. This research was mandated by...

Read Article

Below are partners associated with this project.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

Overview

The USMIN Mineral Deposit Database Project develops national-scale geospatial databases that provide authoritative information on the most significant mines, mineral deposits, and mining districts in the United States. These resources advance the understanding of domestic mineral resources and are available through the output of digital data products, journal articles, presentations, and other USGS series publications.

Prospect- and mine-related features on USGS topographic maps

Symbols indicating mining-related features digitized from historical USGS topographic maps in the western part of the conterminous US. Includes prospect pits, mine shafts and adits, quarries, open-pit mines, tailings piles and ponds, gravel and borrow pits, and other features.

Get geospatial data

USMIN Mineral Deposit Geospatial Data

A developing national-scale geospatial database that will be an authoritative source of information on the most important mines, mineral deposits, and mineral districts of the United States.

Get geospatial data

USMIN's Role Within the USGS

The USMIN Mineral Deposit Database Project collects, evaluates, and publishes data related to mineral resources, mine sites, and mine waste across the United States. These data support decision-making in land-use planning, hazard evaluation, and resource assessment. USMIN provides expertise in compiling authoritative datasets and making them publicly accessible. The project also contributes to scientific studies and collaborates with researchers and agencies to advance mineral resource research.

Based at the Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center in Denver, Colorado, and part of the Mineral Resources Program, USMIN verifies and improves legacy databases while conducting ongoing research to enhance the understanding of mineral resources.

Recently Completed Work: Prospect- and Mine- Related Features from USGS Topographic Maps

Media

Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details

Prospect- and Mine-Related Features from U.S. Geological Survey 7.5- and 15-Minute Topographic Quadrangle Maps of the US Horton, J.D., and San Juan, C.A., 2016, Prospect- and mine-related features from U.S. Geological Survey 7.5- and 15-minute topographic quadrangle maps of the United States (ver. 10.0, May 2023): U.S. Geological Survey data release, ://doi.org/10.5066/F78W3CHG .

USGS topographic maps have been a hallmark product since the 1880s. From the late 1800s through 2006, these maps included symbols representing mine-related features. Over more than a decade, the USMIN team digitized these symbols into a comprehensive database of approximately 600,000 mining-related features. This dataset illustrates the history and geographic trends of mining in the United States and serves as a foundation for research on hazard, evaluation, mineral assessments, and mine waste inventory.

Current Projects

USMIN advances national priorities by improving our understanding of critical mineral resources through databases of critical mineral deposits and non-fuel mine waste, which may contain valuable commodities. USMIN is also creating a national inventory of abandoned mine features to enhance risk assessment and support land management decisions.

Mineral Deposit Database

National Mine Waste Inventory

Abandoned Mine Land Inventory

Study Area

Contacts

Nick Karl

Physical Scientist

Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Email

nkarl@usgs.gov

Phone

303-236-1222

Ryan D Taylor

Research Geologist

Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Email

rtaylor@usgs.gov

Phone

303-236-1882

Explore Search

Geology

Information Systems

Maps and Mapping

Methods and Analyses

Minerals

Science Technology

Mineral Resources Program (MRP)

United States of America

Mineral Resources Program

Rocky Mountain Region

Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Alaska Geology and Mineral Resources

Concealed Deposits

Critical Resources

Data Inventory and Analysis

Deposit Characterization and Identification

Economic Geology

Geologic Models

Geospatial Analysis and Mapping

Legacy Mining Activities

Midcontinent Region Resources

Mineral Resource Applications

Mineral Resource Assessments

Mineral Resources

Mineralogy

Ore Deposit Genesis

Undiscovered Resources

Critical Minerals

Data Series

Databases

Deposit Models

Domestic Statistics

Metals in Waste

Mine Waste

Mineral Commodities

Mineral Production

Mineral Resource Formation

Mineral Statistics

Rare Earth Elements (REE)

Regional Assessment

GIS and Data

View All

Science

Below are other science projects associated with this project.

September 30, 2024

GIS and Information Management - GGGSC

We support the geospatial component of Mineral Resources Program research and provide public access to research results and geospatial information. We facilitate all aspects of the data life cycle, including the publication and archiving of geospatial information and products. We also develop and steward national-scale data layers considered foundational to the Mineral Resources Program as well as...

By

Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

GIS and Information Management - GGGSC

September 30, 2024

GIS and Information Management - GGGSC

We support the geospatial component of Mineral Resources Program research and provide public access to research results and geospatial information. We facilitate all aspects of the data life cycle, including the publication and archiving of geospatial information and products. We also develop and steward national-scale data layers considered foundational to the Mineral Resources Program as well as...

Learn More

January 21, 2022

Mineral Resource Online Data Catalog

This project makes the digital spatial data produced by the Mineral Resources Program available via a web portal so that users can easily access spatial data for solving scientific and technical problems: the Mineral Resources Online Spatial Data site.

By

Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Mineral Resource Online Data Catalog

January 21, 2022

Mineral Resource Online Data Catalog

This project makes the digital spatial data produced by the Mineral Resources Program available via a web portal so that users can easily access spatial data for solving scientific and technical problems: the Mineral Resources Online Spatial Data site.

Learn More

October 1, 2019

Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)

The goal of Earth MRI is to improve our knowledge of the geologic framework in the United States and to identify areas that may have the potential to contain undiscovered critical mineral resources. Enhancement of our domestic mineral supply will decrease the Nation’s reliance on foreign sources of minerals that are fundamental to our security and economy.

By

Mineral Resources Program

Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)

October 1, 2019

Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)

The goal of Earth MRI is to improve our knowledge of the geologic framework in the United States and to identify areas that may have the potential to contain undiscovered critical mineral resources. Enhancement of our domestic mineral supply will decrease the Nation’s reliance on foreign sources of minerals that are fundamental to our security and economy.

Learn More

Data

Below are data releases associated with this project.

Filter Total Items: 26

January 20, 2026

National Mine Waste Inventory

This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release is a collaborative geospatial database compiled by the USGS and participating State geological surveys, with support from the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) program. The database represents the first phase of cataloging above-ground mine waste features —such as tailings and waste rock piles— that are remnants of historical...

By

Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area , Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center , Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center , Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)

September 18, 2025

Consolidated Prospect- and Mine-Related Features from U.S. Geological Survey 7.5- and 15-Minute Topographic Quadrangle Maps of the United States

These data, modified from Horton and San Juan (2016), are a consolidation of point and polygon features representing mine and prospect-related symbols shown on U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5- and 15-minute topographic maps from the Historical Topographic Map Collection (HTMC). This consolidation supports more accurate counts of mine features represented in the database, which are...

By

Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

October 3, 2022

Indium deposits in the United States

This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides the descriptions of the only U.S. sites-including mining districts, mineral occurrences, and mine features-that have reported production and (or) resources of indium (In). This dataset contains the Bingham and West Desert deposits in Utah, and the Chino site in New Mexico. Indium is considered a critical and strategic mineral...

By

Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

May 2, 2022

Prospect- and Mine-Related Features from U.S. Geological Survey 7.5- and 15-Minute Topographic Quadrangle Maps of the United States (ver. 10.0, May 2023)

Version 10.0 of these data are part of a larger U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) project to develop an updated geospatial database of mines, mineral deposits, and mineral regions in the United States. Mine and prospect-related symbols, such as those used to represent prospect pits, mines, adits, dumps, tailings, etc., hereafter referred to as 'mine' symbols or features, have been digitized...

By

Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

January 31, 2022

Graphite deposits in the United States

This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides the descriptions of 10 U.S. sites that include mineral regions, mineral occurrences, and mine features that contain enrichments of graphite. To be included in this data release, sites must have a contained resource and (or) past production of more than 1,000 metric tons of graphite, which is approximately 3 percent of the average...

By

Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center , Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)

February 24, 2021

Digital map of iron sulfate minerals, other mineral groups, and vegetation of the San Juan Mountains, Colorado, and Four Corners Region derived from automated analysis of Landsat 8 satellite data

Multispectral remote sensing data acquired by the Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) sensor were analyzed using a new, automated technique to generate a map of exposed mineral and vegetation groups in the western San Juan Mountains, Colorado and the Four Corners Region of the United States (Rockwell and others, 2021). Spectral index (e.g. band-ratio) results were combined into...

By

Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

February 24, 2021

Digital map of iron sulfate minerals, other mineral groups, and vegetation of the western United States derived from automated analysis of Landsat 8 satellite data

Multispectral remote sensing data acquired by Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) sensor were analyzed using an automated technique to generate surficial mineralogy and vegetation maps of the conterminous western United States. Six spectral indices (e.g. band-ratios), highlighting distinct spectral absorptions, were developed to aid in the identification of mineral groups in exposed...

By

Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

February 23, 2021

Gallium Deposits in the United States

This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides the descriptions of the only U.S. sites—including mineral regions, mineral occurrences, and mine features—that have reported production and (or) resources of gallium (Ga). The sites in this data release have contained resource and (or) past production of more than 16 metric tons Ga metal, which was the approximate average annual...

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Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

February 9, 2021

Tantalum Deposits in the United States

This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides the descriptions of the only U.S. sites--including mineral regions, mineral occurrences, and mine features--that have reported production and (or) resources of tantalum (Ta). The sites in this data release have contained resource and (or) past production of more than 900 metric tons Ta metal, which was the approximate average...

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Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

February 4, 2021

Niobium Deposits in the United States

This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides the descriptions of 11 U.S. sites that include mineral regions, mines, and mineral occurrences that contain enrichments of niobium (Nb). To be included in this data release, a site must have a contained resource and (or) past production of Nb metal greater than 10,000 metric tons, which was the approximate consumption of Nb in the...

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Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

September 14, 2020

Tungsten Deposits in the United States (ver. 2.0, August 2020)

This is version 2.0 of Tungsten Deposits in the United States. This data release provides the descriptions of approximately 100 U.S. sites that include mineral regions, mineral occurrences (deposits), and mine features that contain enrichments of tungsten (W). This data release reports on U.S. mines and deposits with greater than or equal to 215 metric tons of tungsten metal (30,000...

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Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

June 2, 2020

Data to accompany U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2020-3017: Pyrrhotite distribution in the conterminous United States

The mineral pyrrhotite, which is an unstable sulfide mineral, was present in crushed stone aggregate used in concrete foundations of homes in Connecticut and Massachusetts, many of those foundations are failing as the mineral weathers. Because of the substantial costs of lifting homes and replacing their foundations, in 2019 the U.S. Congress directed the U.S. Geological Survey?s (USGS)...

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Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Publications

Below are publications associated with this project.

March 14, 2025

The abandoned mine inventory of the United States—A brief summary

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 required the Secretary of the Interior to establish a program to inventory abandoned hard-rock mines in the United States. The Department of the Interior’s Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance asked the U.S. Geological Survey’s Mineral Deposit Database project (USMIN) to use existing data sources to build an inventory of all...

Authors

Jeffrey L. Mauk, Nick A Karl, Justin S. Pierson, Carma A. San Juan

By

Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

May 1, 2024

Annual review 2023: Critical minerals

No abstract available.

Authors

Graham W. Lederer, James V. Jones, Darcy McPhee, Jeffrey L. Mauk, Robert R. Seal,, Kate M. Campbell, Jane M. Hammarstrom, Paul A. Bedrosian, Patricia Grace Macqueen, Garth E. Graham, Federico Solano, George N.D. Case, David George Pineault

By

Ecosystems Mission Area , Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area , Mineral Resources Program , Alaska Science Center , Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center , National Minerals Information Center

September 13, 2023

Can the mining industry meet global demand for critical minerals?

No abstract available.

Authors

Jeffrey L. Mauk, Jonathan Andrew Funk, Nick Karl

By

Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

May 1, 2022

USGS Critical Minerals Review: 2021

In 2021, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) continued to play a central role in understanding and anticipating potential supply chain disruptions by defining and quantitatively evaluating mineral criticality. In addition, the USGS continued to evaluate new sources of domestic critical minerals by conducting mineral resource assessments, mapping and surveying regions prospective for...

Authors

Steven M. Fortier, Nedal T. Nassar, Garth E. Graham, Jane M. Hammarstrom, Warren C. Day, Jeffrey L. Mauk, Robert R. Seal,

By

National Minerals Information Center

May 1, 2021

USGS 2020 critical minerals review

Concerns about the lack of domestic production and availability of essential mineral raw materials were a recurring theme throughout the 20th century, particularly in the periods around armed conflicts (Congressional Research Service, 2019). These concerns resulted in the designation of particular minerals as “strategic” or “critical,” terms that commonly depend on the perspective of the...

Authors

Steven M. Fortier, Nedal T. Nassar, Karen D. Kelley, Graham W. Lederer, Jeffrey L. Mauk, Jane M. Hammarstrom, Warren C. Day, Robert R. Seal,

By

Mineral Resources Program , National Minerals Information Center

February 8, 2021

The critical minerals initiative of the U.S. Geological Survey’s mineral deposit database project: USMIN

The objective of the US Geological Survey’s mineral deposit database project (USMIN) is to develop a comprehensive twenty-first century geospatial database that is the authoritative source of the most important mines, mineral deposits, and mineral districts of the US. Since May 2017, the project has focused on critical minerals. Data for critical minerals that are produced as products...

Authors

Jeffrey L. Mauk, Nick A Karl, Carma A. San Juan, Liam Dandurand Knudsen, German Schmeda, Clayton Robert Forbush, Bradley S. Van Gosen, Morgan Mullins, Patrick Christopher Scott

By

Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

March 26, 2020

Pyrrhotite distribution in the conterminous United States, 2020

In parts of Connecticut and Massachusetts, foundations of some homes are cracking and crumbling. Failing foundations can reduce the market value of a home and lifting a house to replace and repour a foundation is an expensive undertaking. In response, some homeowners are defaulting on their mortgages and abandoning their homes. The culprit is pyrrhotite, which occurs in construction...

Authors

Jeffrey L. Mauk, Thomas C. Crafford, John D. Horton, Carma A. San Juan, Robinson

By

Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

June 18, 2019

USGS critical minerals review

The United States’ supply of critical minerals has been a concern and a source of potential strategic vulnerabilities for U.S. economic and national security interests for decades (for example, see Strategic and Critical Minerals Stockpiling Act, 1939). More recently, with the rapid increase in the types of materials being used in advanced technologies (Fortier et al. 2018a), and...

Authors

Steven M. Fortier, Jane M. Hammarstrom, Sarah J. Ryker, Warren C. Day, Robert R. Seal,

By

Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area , Mineral Resources Program , National Minerals Information Center , Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)

May 27, 2018

USGS critical minerals review

The United States’ supply of critical minerals has been a concern and a source of potential strategic vulnerabilities for U.S. economic and national security interests for decades (for example, see Strategic and Critical Minerals Stockpiling Act, 1939). More recently, with the rapid increase in the types of materials being used in advanced technologies (Fortier et al. 2018a), and...

Authors

Steven M. Fortier, Jane M. Hammarstrom, Sarah J. Ryker, Warren C. Day, Robert R. Seal

By

Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center , National Minerals Information Center

Software

February 22, 2026

Geospatial tool for mine waste volume calculations from remote sensing source code

This geospatial tool is designed to calculate an estimated volume of mine waste using a polygon outline of the mine waste and elevation data obtained from remote sensing. The tool is developed to run as a toolbox in the ESRI ArcGIS Pro application. It calculates the volume using the geospatial data and a linear regression method described in the accompanying publication. This tool has...

By

Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area , Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center , Western Geographic Science Center

News

Below are news stories associated with this project.

USGS Updates Mineral Database with Graphite Deposits in the United States

February 28, 2022

USGS Updates Mineral Database with Graphite Deposits in the United States

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has updated the U.S. Mineral Deposit Database (USMIN) to include 10 sites with historical graphite production or...

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USGS Updates Mineral Database with Gallium Deposits in the United States

March 11, 2021

USGS Updates Mineral Database with Gallium Deposits in the United States

In the latest database update based on the Critical Minerals List, the USGS has added Gallium to USMIN.

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USGS Updates Mineral Database with Tantalum Deposits in the United States

March 9, 2021

USGS Updates Mineral Database with Tantalum Deposits in the United States

The USGS has added the critical mineral commodity tantalum to USMIN.

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USGS Updates Mineral Database with Niobium Deposits in the United States

February 16, 2021

USGS Updates Mineral Database with Niobium Deposits in the United States

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has updated its  USMIN Mineral Deposit Database  (USMIN) for the mineral commodity niobium, one of 35 mineral...

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USGS Updates Mineral Database with Tungsten Deposits in the United States

September 14, 2020

USGS Updates Mineral Database with Tungsten Deposits in the United States

The USGS has updated its USMIN Mineral Deposit Database for the mineral commodity tungsten, one of 35 minerals declared critical by the Department of...

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New USGS Map Helps Identify Where Pyrrhotite, a Mineral that Can Cause Concrete Foundations to Fail, May Occur

April 29, 2020

New USGS Map Helps Identify Where Pyrrhotite, a Mineral that Can Cause Concrete Foundations to Fail, May Occur

The USGS has released its first-ever map of where the mineral pyrrhotite may occur in the contiguous United States. This research was mandated by...

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Partners

Below are partners associated with this project.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Bureau of Land Management (BLM)