EXPLORATION

USGS, DoE partner on Nevada minerals project

Interagency initiative will be called Geoscience Data Acquisition for Western Nevada.

Walker Lane is a geologic trough that aligns with the border between California and Nevada.

Walker Lane is a geologic trough that aligns with the border between California and Nevada.

The partnership, led by the USGS and the DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, will use airborne geophysical and lidar data collection, as well as geologic mapping and geochemical analysis of rock and brine samples, to identify mineral resource and geothermal energy potential.

The area of study will be the Walker Lane geologic area in western Nevada, which has a high quantity of sediments and clays rocks that the agencies believe contain significant amounts of critical minerals. The initial focus will be on critical mineral commodities such as lithium and will include rare earth elements, platinum group elements and chromium, as well as iron, nickel and copper.

The interagency initiative will be called Geoscience Data Acquisition for Western Nevada (GeoDAWN) and also will leverage machine learning to identify mineral deposits.

"We plan to provide periodic updates to interested stakeholders as we work together to strengthen American energy and critical mineral independence", wrote the DOE in a blog post.

 "The data we'll be collecting are useful for many applications," said Sarah Ryker, USGS associate director for Energy and Minerals. "Not only are we helping identify the potential for mineral and energy resources that underpin our economy, but these data can help identify groundwater resources and even geologic hazards such as faults that could produce earthquakes."

/

 

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Magazine Intelligence team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Magazine Intelligence team.

editions

ESG Mining Company Index: Benchmarking the Future of Sustainable Mining

The ESG Mining Company Index report provides an in-depth evaluation of ESG performance of 61 of the world's largest mining companies. Using a robust framework, it assesses each company across 9 meticulously weighted indicators within 6 essential pillars.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Exploration Report 2024 (feat. Opaxe data)

A comprehensive review of exploration trends and technologies, highlighting the best intercepts and discoveries and the latest initial resource estimates.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Future Fleets Report 2024

The report paints a picture of the equipment landscape and includes detailed profiles of mines that are employing these fleets

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Digitalisation Report 2023

An in-depth review of operations that use digitalisation technology to drive improvements across all areas of mining production