OMB project abstract summaryidaho geological surveyproject title: critical mineral potential of the cuddy mountain region, western idahoproject period: 07 01 2024-6 30 2027AWARD purpose: geologic…

This $363,000 federal Cooperative Agreement award, funded by the U.S. Geological Survey's Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (CFDA 15.073), will support geologic mapping and geochemical sampling in the Cuddy Mountain region of Idaho. The Idaho Geological Survey will conduct 1:24,000-scale geologic mapping across seven 7.5-minute quadrangles, compiling the results into new 1:36,000-scale published maps with supporting data. The project will also collect rock and stream sediment samples from the region for geochemical characterization by the USGS laboratory in Denver. A summary report on the critical mineral potential of the area will be produced as a key deliverable. The intended beneficiaries of this work include mineral exploration companies, state/federal geological surveys, land management agencies, academic researchers, and the general public.

Activities

The idaho geological survey will conduct geologic map compilation and new geologic mapping in all or parts of seven 7.5 quadrangles at a scale of 1:24,000. To augment the geologic mapping objectives, the recipient will collect rock samples in the cuddy mountain region and submit these samples to the USGS facility in denver for geochemical characterization.deliverables and expected outcomes: 1) new mapping (published at 1:36,000 scale) provided in USGS GIS format and with final PDF maps compiled on two plates. The maps will contain a correlation of map units, description of map units, cross sections, and references 2) geochemical sampling: rock and stream-sediment samples will be sent to the USGS geochemistry laboratory in denver, colorado and will include a sample submittal form providing location and lithologic information. 3)summary report that briefly provides a summary of the salient scientific results bearing on the critical mineral potential of the area.

Intended beneficiaries

Mineral exploration companies, state and federal geological surveys, U.S. Forest service, U.S. Bureau of land management, academic researchers, and the general public.