Nevada regional intrusion lithogeochemistry, zircon u-PB geochronology, and zircon trace and rareearth element chemistryproject period: 02 16 2026- 02 15 2029PURPOSETHE timing, composition and…

The U.S. Geological Survey awarded a $329,620 cooperative agreement to the Board of Regents of Nevada System of Higher Education (operating as University of Nevada, Reno) on February 16, 2026, under the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (CFDA 15.073) to compile and generate geochemical, zircon uranium-lead geochronology, and zircon trace and rare-earth-element data for evolved intrusions across Nevada. The project will establish the geochemical and geochronological characterization of intrusive activity in the Great Basin and Nevada, linking magmatic composition and age to critical mineral-bearing mineral systems including iron oxide apatite, iron oxide copper gold, porphyry copper-molybdenum-gold, Carlin-type antimony-gold, epithermal gold-silver, carbonate replacement, and skarn zinc-lead-gold-silver deposits. Work includes compilation of extant whole-rock geochemical and zircon data statewide, followed by targeted generation of new analytical data for selected areas lacking such characterization but known to host mineral systems. The zircon trace and rare-earth-element and lutetium-hafnium isotopic data will clarify relationships between intrusions of different ages and compositions and the genesis of Nevada's critical metal-bearing mineral deposits and mining camps. The period of performance runs from February 16, 2026, through February 15, 2029, with place of performance in Nevada, USA.

Nevada regional intrusion lithogeochemistry, zircon u-PB geochronology, and zircon trace and rareearth element chemistryproject period: 02 16 2026- 02 15 2029PURPOSETHE timing, composition and nature of intrusive activity within the great basin and nevada in particular is known to be connected to the genesis of a number of different critical mineral-bearing mineral systems. However, thecharacterization of this intrusive activity, the nature of the intrusive controls on and genetic links with metallogenywithin this region, and the specific links between intrusions of different ages and compositions (including hydrousvs. Anhydrous magmas) and the different types of mineral systems within this region remain poorly constrained.activities to be performedthis project will compile extant geochemical and zircon u-PB, trace and rare earth element (tree) and isotopic(e.g. LU-HF) data for evolved intrusions within the state. This compilation will be followed by the targetedgeneration of new whole-rock geochemical and zircon u-PB age, tree, and LU-HF isotopic data for selected areas within the state that lack these data but are known to be related to individual mineral systems. The intrusions within nevada are associated with a number of different critical mineral-bearing mineral systems (e.g. iron oxide apatite (IOA)-iron oxide copper gold (iocg), porphyry CU-MO-AU, carlin-type SB-AU, epithermal AU-AG, carbonate replacement and skarn ZN-PB-AU-AG) and this study will elucidate the links between magmatism, the tectonic evolution of nevada, and the genesis of this wide range of critical metal-bearing mineral systems. The resulting whole-rock geochemical and zircon trace and rare earth element data will provide a basis for understanding the links between intrusions of different compositions and ages and individual mineral deposits and mining camps. The zircon tree and LU-HF data will also be used to provide insights into metallogeny-related changes in magmatism, such as changes in magma fertility and oxidation state. The latter has been identified as a major control on the style of mineralization from east to west across the great basin, going from oxidized CU porphyry-prospective intrusions into utah to more AU prospective intrusions associated with systems like phoenix and carlin-type mineralization present in northern nevada. These data will directly help delineate prospective areas for critical mineral exploration within the great basin. In addition to the compilation outlined above this project will conduct new detailed geochronological and geochemical sampling to characterize the timing and nature of intrusive activity for selected areas within the state that lack these data but are known to be related to individual mineral systems.deliverablescompilation of extant geochronological, geochemical and geological data for intrusions within nevada andextending into the wider great basin whole-rock geochemical, mineralogical, and geochronological (zircon u-PB and trace and REE) characterization of intrusions across three transects across nevada to fill gaps within the compilation of data outlined above, including a determination of the nature and extent of critical metal exploration and extraction potential associated with these intrusions.beneficiariesnevada and the wider great basin will provide a comprehensive, publicly available database for use by academia, industry, and other key stakeholders focused on exploration within nevada. The study will enhance the knowledge of the genetic links between intrusive activity and critical mineral metallogeny within nevada, identify new targets for critical mineral exploration in the state, and provide acomprehensive database of intrusion-related data for nevada and the wider great basin, all of which will benefit the minerals industry and users of critical minerals in the manufacturing, defense and energy sectors.