Earth mapping resources initiative: kentucky non-coal mine waste characterizationproject period: 7 15 2025 through 7 14 2027AWARD purpose: to characterize the resource potential and environmental…

The University of Kentucky Research Foundation received a $305,994 cooperative agreement from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) under the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (CFDA 15.073) effective July 15, 2025 through July 14, 2027. The award funds systematic characterization of legacy non-coal mine waste sites in western Kentucky to support national critical mineral security objectives. The primary deliverables include geochemical and mineralogical analysis of solid and water samples collected from 25 mine waste features using USGS Earth MRI protocols; a Geographic Information System (GIS)-compatible mine waste inventory with mapped features, sampling locations, and analytical results; standardized data submissions to the USGS USMIN (U.S. Mineral Resources Information System) database; and a final peer-reviewed technical report documenting methods, site findings, resource estimates, and remediation recommendations.

The project directly supports the Earth MRI program's mission to advance understanding of domestic critical mineral resources and environmental conditions through coordinated federal-state partnerships. Deliverables will be integrated into the national mine waste inventory and made publicly available through Kentucky Geological Survey platforms. Key activities include establishing site access and landowner permissions, conducting field sampling with quality assurance and quality control protocols, performing laboratory geochemical analysis, developing geospatial databases, generating critical mineral hotspot maps, and submitting biannual progress reports and field documentation per USGS requirements.

Activities

Coordinate site access and confirm permissions with landowners and stakeholders. Finalize sampling design and conduct fieldwork at 25 mine waste features using USGS earth MRI protocols. Collect solid and mine-influenced water samples with QA QC controls. Document sampling efforts with GPS-referenced field data, field notes, and photographs. Submit samples for laboratory analysis to determine geochemical and mineralogical composition. Compile and integrate all data into geospatial databases for mine waste inventory development. Perform resource estimation and generate critical mineral hotspot maps. Produce interpretive and technical reports with recommendations for further sampling, resource development, and remediation planning.deliverable and expected outcomes: composite geochemical datasets for solid and water samples from 25 mine waste features. GIS-compatible mine waste inventory, including mapped features, sampling sites, and analytical results. Submission of standardized data to the USGS usmin database public data release via KGS platforms. Biannual progress reports and submission of field documentation per USGS earth MRI requirements. Final peer-reviewed report summarizing methods, site findings, resource estimates, and recommendations for future exploration and remediation.

Intended beneficiaries

U.S. Geological survey and earth MRI programs supporting the national mine waste inventory. Federal and state agencies involved in mineral resource management and environmental planning. Industry and the public sector seeking data to support sustainable resource development and mine site reuse. Researchers and academic institutions focused on mine waste characterization and critical mineral recovery.

Subrecipient activities

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