Geological mapping of pennsylvanian metalliferous black shales in north-centralillinoisproject period: november 1, 2025 to october 31 2028PURPOSE: geologic mapping of ORE-grade concentrations of…

The U.S. Geological Survey awarded the University of Illinois a $418,000 cooperative agreement on February 1, 2026, under the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (CFDA 15.073) to conduct geological mapping of Pennsylvanian metalliferous black shales in north-central Illinois.

The University of Illinois will conduct field work in the LaSalle, Illinois area to locate and measure outcrop sections of the Excello and Mecca Quarry shales, collect structural information, and collect samples for geochemical analysis. The project focuses on documenting ore-grade concentrations of critical minerals including vanadium, zinc, nickel, uranium, molybdenum, and rhenium. Subsequent project phases include compilation and plotting of field data and geochemical results onto maps, interpretation of findings, and preparation of a brief report.

Deliverables include a series of maps for the LaSalle area documenting critical mineral concentration, thickness, depth, and related information for the Mecca Quarry and Excello black shales; spreadsheets of geochemical datasets; and a brief report.

Performance takes place in Illinois, with a period of performance from November 1, 2025 through October 31, 2028, and an ultimate completion date of January 31, 2029. The Earth Mapping Resources Initiative authorizes USGS to accelerate geologic mapping activities focused on assessment of critical minerals and supports the collection of geophysical, geologic, geochemical, and topographic data in areas of critical mineral potential across the nation.

Activities

Field work in the lasalle illinois area includes locating and measuringoutcrop sections, collecting structural information, and sampling for geochemical analysis. Later stages ofthe project include compilation and plotting of field data and geochemical results onto maps, makinginterpretations, and writing a brief report.deliverables: a series of maps for the lasalle illinois area documenting critical mineral concentration, thickness, depth, and related information for the mecca quarry and excello black shales. Spreadsheets ofgeochemical data sets and a brief report will also be provided.beneficiaries: state of illinois, U.S. Federal government, mining industry, academia