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Earth Mapping Resources Initiative

Program Information

Popular name

Earth MRI

Program Number

15.073

Program objective

The primary purpose of the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative is to facilitate new geological and geochemical mapping activities, new geophysical data collection (and obtain associated datasets), and new mine waste research and data gathering/acquisition as part of a larger initiative to collect geophysical, geologic, and topographic data in areas of critical mineral potential across the Nation. This effort supports Executive Order 13817 ("A Federal Strategy to Ensure Secure and Reliable Supplies of Critical Minerals"). In order to respond to this Executive Order, the US Geological Survey (USGS) established this initiative to support advanced mapping of the geologic resources of the Nation - with the USGS designated as the lead Federal agency for geologic map data. Additionally, as of FY2022, Earth MRI is now mandated by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (PL 117-58, signed on 11/15/21) - directing the USGS to accelerate efforts to carry out fundamental integrated topographic, geologic, geochemical, and geophysical mapping activities – as well as mine waste research and data gathering - all focused on the assessment of critical minerals. This advanced geologic mapping and airborne geophysics has the potential to significantly close the gap in the essential data needed to enhance economic development and technological innovation, while advancing our understanding of the fundamental ways that geology informs public policy and every aspect of daily life.

Program expenditures, by FY (2023 - 2025)

This chart shows obligations for the program by fiscal year. All data for this chart was provided by the administering agency and sourced from SAM.gov, USASpending.gov, and Treasury.gov.

For more information on each of these data sources, please see the About the data page.

Additional program information

  1. 2023

    Earth MRI geologic mapping/geochemical mapping/geophysics provided funding to 14 states for 17 projects total in FY2023; Earth MRI mine waste provided funding to 16 states for 16 projects total in FY2023.

  2. 2024

    Earth MRI geologic mapping/geochemical mapping/geophysics is in the process of providing funding to 22 states for 23 projects total in FY2024; Earth MRI mine waste in the process of providing funding to 26 states for 26 projects total in FY2024.

  3. 2025

    Fiscal Year 2025: In FY25, anticipate funding, at the very least, 15-20 projects via Earth MRI geologic mapping/geochemical mapping/geophysics; anticipate funding ~20 states and ~20 projects via Earth MRI mine waste.

Single Audit Applies (2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F):

For additional information on single audit requirements for this program, review the current Compliance Supplement.

OMB is working with the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) and agency offices of inspectors general to include links to relevant oversight reports. This section will be updated once this information is made available.

  1. Pub. L. 117, 117-58.
  2. Pub. L. 117, 117-81.

Program details

Program types

Eligible applicants

Eligible beneficiaries

  • State

Additional resources