Proposal title: testing early paleoproterozoic link between the superior and wyoming cratons: implications for critical mineral potential of the southern wyoming craton project period: 01/01/2026 -…

The U.S. Geological Survey awarded the Regents of the University of California at Riverside a cooperative agreement totaling $180,000 on January 1, 2026, under the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (CFDA 15.810), EDMAP component, to conduct geologic mapping and geochronological analysis of the southern Wyoming Craton's critical mineral potential.

The recipient will produce a 1:24,000-scale geologic map of the Hansen Ranch area in the Sierra Madre with associated GEMS Level 3 geodatabase, documenting contacts among felsic and mafic intrusions and the Phantom Lake Metamorphic Suite. Deliverables include geochemical and geochronological data tables derived from U-Pb zircon analysis of felsic and mafic igneous rocks, a technical report interpreting mapped relationships and analytical results, and a peer-reviewed publication. The work focuses on platinum group element–nickel–copper potential associated with magmatic events dated 2.49–2.45 billion years ago on the southern margin of the Wyoming Craton, testing proposed links to the Superior Craton.

Performance period runs January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028. Place of performance is California. The study's data and conclusions are intended to benefit the USGS, Wyoming Geological Survey, and mining companies evaluating economic potential in the region. No sub-recipients are identified.

Proposal title: testing early paleoproterozoic link between the superior and wyoming cratons: implications for critical mineral potential of the southern wyoming craton project period: 01/01/2026 - 12/31/2028 purpose the proposed study will combine detailed mapping in the sierra madre with geochronology and igneous rock geochemistry to explore platinum group element-NI-CU potential of the 2.49-2.45 GA magmatic events on the southern margin of the wyoming craton. Activities mapping, and U-PB zircon geochronology and geochemistry offelsic and mafic igneous rocks deliverables and outcomes 1) a map at 1:24,000 scale of the hansen ranch area (with gems level 3 geodatabase), where contacts of felsic and mafic intrusions and the phantom lake metamorphic suite are best exposed (see FIG. 4 for coordinates of the study area; 41 ?17'30" & 107?12'30"); 2) tables with geochemical and geochronological data; 3) technical report with interpretations of mapped relationships and geochemical and geochronological data; 4) a peer-reviewed publication presenting the results of the study. Intended beneficiary(IES) the data and conclusions of this study will benefit to the USGS, wsgs, and mining companies interested in economic potential of the southern margin of the wyoming craton. Subrecipient activities NIA