Project period: 7 22 2024 through 7 21 2026AWARD purpose: to evaluate 40 nonfuel mine waste sites that potentially contain critical minerals located in the western half of the upper peninsula of…

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) awarded a $273,182.07 Cooperative Agreement under the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (CFDA 15.073) to Western Michigan University. The purpose of the award is to evaluate 40 non-fuel mine waste sites in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan, collect detailed site descriptions and bulk samples, and provide geospatial data, volume/load estimates, geochemical analyses, and critical mineral resource assessments. The project will generate publicly available data to inform the National Mine Waste Inventory and support strategies for critical mineral supply chains. The Cooperative Agreement has a performance period from July 22, 2024 to July 21, 2026.

Intended beneficiaries

Federal governmento add valuable data for the state of michigan to the national mine waste inventoryo chemical and volume data will contribute to a nationwide effort that will inform strategies to support critical mineral supply chains.local communities of the upper peninsula of michigan - data will identify legacy mine sites that are candidates for remediation which could bolster economic development and facilitate environmental restoration.general public - all data from this study will be publicly available on state and federal government platforms. The data could benefit studies conducted by a wide variety of entities across industry and academia.subrecipients: n a