FY 2025 national geological geophysical data preservation program - FY 25 nggdppproject period: 9 1 2025 through 8 31 2028AWARD purpose: priority 1 - scans and metadata for black shale and coal files

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources received a $374,972 Project Grant from the U.S. Geological Survey under the National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program (CFDA 15.814) for the period September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2028. This three-year initiative focuses on preserving and digitizing geological data held by the Missouri Geological Survey. Priority 1 activities include scanning and creating metadata for black shale and coal files, with scans archived on Missouri Geological Survey (MGS) servers and metadata uploaded to the Registry of Scientific Collections (RESCiColl), along with a pilot thin-section scanning project to establish best practices. Priority 2 involves purchasing equipment and materials for improved storage and handling of thin sections and hand samples. Priority 3 encompasses data entry of 750 core logs into the National Index of Borehole Information (NIBI) database, development of a data preservation plan for mine waste materials, and geochemical analysis of up to 300 selected samples.

Deliverables include digitized geological files and metadata accessible through the MGS website and RESCiColl, improved physical infrastructure for specimen storage, a comprehensive thin-section scanning guidance document to support future preservation efforts, and enhanced borehole information database entries. The program is designed to support critical minerals assessment and geological framework initiatives while reducing wear on original archived materials through increased digital access. All activities will undergo quality assurance and quality control review, with student labor supporting core log data entry and metadata creation.

Activities

Priority 1 - scanned files prioritized by MGS and customer needs, and critical mineral and infrastructure potential. Files will be archived on MGS servers. Data will undergo QA QC review. Best practices will be developed for thin section scanning.priority 2 - no nggdpp activity beyond purchase.priority 3 - core logs selected based on noted criteria. Students to enter logs and data. QA QC review of all data. Logs delivered in nibi format. Mine waste data preservation plan will note material media, risk, and preservation priorities. Whole rock geochemistry samples from MGS collections based on critical mineral criteria. Metadata created.deliverables and expected outcomes: priority 1 - metadata uploaded to rescicoll all scan files included on MGS website. MGS expects increased use of the geologic data for critical minerals and other uses, including statemap and earthmri projects, while limiting wear on original archived files. Thin section scanning guidance document will support a future project.priority 2 - improved storage for thin sections and hand samples. New lights will improve core photography results.priority 3 - delivery of metadata for 750 core logs for nibi upload. Increased data accessibility. Data will aid preservation of physical logs while increasing access to information in logs. Delivery of a completed data preservation plan for MGS critical mineral related mine waste data. Sample-level metadata for whole rock geochemistry.

Intended beneficiaries

Priority 1 - government, academic, and industry geologists will have greater access to data in the black shale and coal files. Information on thin sections will be more accessible.priority 3 - log data will benefit entities for critical minerals, infrastructure, and environmental uses, among others. Mine waste data preservation plan will allow better archiving and access to the data. Metadata for whole rock geochemistry will allow access to new data.

Subrecipient activities

No subrecipient activities in these projects.