Characterization of mine waste for critical minerals in the eastern california tungsten focus areaproject period: 8 1 2024 through 7 31 2026AWARD purpose: to characterize mine waste that may host…

This Cooperative Agreement award, provided by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) under the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (CFDA 15.073), will characterize mine waste potentially containing critical minerals at three former mine sites in Eastern California. The $146,783 award to the California Department of Conservation, to be executed from August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2026, will involve collecting composite samples of tailings for geochemical and mineralogical analysis at the surface and subsurface. Key deliverables include critical mineral resource estimates for each sampling unit, tailings volume estimates, and a peer-reviewed final report advancing scientific understanding of critical mineral resources in the region. This project aims to support the USGS Earth MRI program's objectives of mapping and assessing domestic critical mineral resources.

Activities

Collection of composite samples of tailings for geochemistry and mineralogy at delineated sampling units within the three sites at the surface and at a depth of at least one meter, where feasible.deliverables and expected outcomes: critical mineral resource estimates for each sampling unit and site collection, maintenance, and distribution of geochemical and spatial data tailings volume estimates semi-annual progress reports and peer-reviewed, published final report. Advancement of scientific knowledge of critical minerals in the eastern california tungsten focus area for both s-r-v tungsten and polymetallic sulfide s-r-v-is deposits.

Intended beneficiaries

The USGS earth MRI, other mineral resources programs, and economic geologists through advancement of scientific understanding the people of the united states through economic, security, and decarbonization advantages of domestic critical mineral resources and local populations through employment opportunities and environmental improvements from the removal or reclamation of reprocessed tailings.

Subrecipient activities

There are no subrecipients because this project has no subcontractors.