The Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (EARTH MRI) Mine Waste Cooperative Agreements

The Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI; https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/earth-mri) is a component of MRP and is a national effort to carry out the fundamental resources and mapping mission of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). 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 critical mineral resources. Enhancement of our domestic mineral supply will decrease the Nation’s reliance on foreign sources of minerals fundamental to national security and the economy. USGS developed a new competitive cooperative agreement program with the State geological surveys to support mine waste activities authorized and funded by the BIL. State geological surveys apply for funds through an annual competitive agreement process. The Earth MRI Mine Waste Cooperative Agreements support three goals of the USGS-Earth MRI effort: 1) building a national mine waste inventory, 2) characterizing mine waste at sites across the nation, and 3) partnering with State geological surveys to plan Earth MRI data acquisition. Individual State projects last for up to two years.

The latest form for The Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (EARTH MRI) Mine Waste Cooperative Agreements expires 2026-08-31 and can be found here.

Application

Federal Enterprise Architecture: Natural Resources - Conservation, Marine and Land Management

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