Geologic mapping of resources in the eagle mountains fluorite district of trans-pecos, texasproject period: 03 01 2026 - 02 28 2029PROJECT abstract summary: the bureau of economic geology (BEG) will…

The U.S. Geological Survey awarded the University of Texas at Austin $330,867 under a cooperative agreement (G26AC00047) on March 1, 2026, to conduct geologic mapping and geochemical sampling in the Eagle Mountains Fluorite District in West Texas under the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (CFDA 15.073).

Over the three-year performance period (March 1, 2026 through February 28, 2029), the Bureau of Economic Geography will deliver six 1:24,000-scale geologic maps covering the Eagle Mountains NW, NE, SW quadrangles, Bass Canyon, Eagle Mountains (additional quadrangles referenced but truncated in source), and accompanying GEMS-compliant geodatabases. These maps will be submitted to the National Geologic Mapping Database maintained by the USGS and the Association of American State Geologists. The project includes detailed geologic mapping and sampling across six quadrangles in the alkaline igneous belt area adjacent to current StateMap and Earth-MRI quadrangles with rare-earth element and critical mineral prospective sites. Up to 169 rock samples collected from mapping areas will be submitted to the USGS for geochemical analysis, with approximately 50 samples designated for thin-section analysis and SEM microprobe microanalysis. Work is performed in Texas, USA.

The Earth Mapping Resources Initiative funds integrated topographic, geologic, geochemical, and geophysical mapping activities focused on assessment of critical minerals across the Nation, authorized under Public Law 117-58 to accelerate fundamental mapping efforts on domestic critical mineral resources.

Purpose

And activities: conduct geologic mapping and geochemical sampling in one areas of critical mineral focused mapping effort: the eagle mountains fluorite district, located in the alkaline igneous belt area adjacent to current statemap and earth-MRI quadrangles with REE CM prospective sites.deliverables and expected outcomes: the geologic maps and associated geodatabases will be delivered at the end of this three-year project. These maps will be constructed at 1:24,000 scale, following the begs standard statemap map-production procedure. They will be issued as part of the begs open-file map series and will be submitted for entry into the national geologic mapping database (ngmdb) maintained by the USGS and aasg. Maps will be prepared for delivery as gems-compliant geodatabases. In addition, up to 169 unknown samples from mapping areas, based on the allotted dollar limit for analyses, will be provided to the USGS for geochemical analysis, and approximately 50 samples will be used for thin section analysis and SEM microprobe microanalysis.1:24,000 scale geologic map quadrangle deliverables:eagle mountains NW quadrangle, and gems-compliant formats.eagle mountains NE quadrangle, and gems-compliant formats.bass canyon quadrangle, and gems-compliant formats.eagle mountains SW quadrangle, and gems-compliant formats.eagle mountains SE quadrangle, and gems-compliant formats.lobo SW quadrangle, and gems-compliant formats.intended beneficiary(IES): the general population benefits from knowledge related to new resource identification, exploration and development. Academic institutions, researchers, staff and students, industry and other state agencies benefit from new and more detailed geologic maps, resource knowledge and comprehensive geochemical analyses. The USGS, other federal agencies, and international agency partners all benefit from knowledge, resource development and collaborations that promote a sustainable domestic supply of critical minerals.