Earth Mapping Resources Initiative

The primary purpose of the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative is to facilitate new geological and geochemical mapping activities, new geophysical data collection (and obtain associated datasets), and new mine waste research and data gathering/acquisi

The primary purpose of Earth MRI is to facilitate new geologic mapping activities and related data collection as part of an initiative to collect geophysical, geologic, and topographic data in areas of critical mineral potential across the Nation. This effort directly supports Administration and Departmental priorities. Additionally, Earth MRI is authorized through Public Law 117-58, directing the USGS to accelerate efforts to carry out fundamental integrated topographic, geologic, geochemical, and geophysical mapping activities focused on the assessment of critical minerals. Earth MRI will directly benefit the Nation by expanding upon the understanding of domestic critical mineral resources through advanced airborne geophysical surveys and advanced mapping of subsurface geologic resources. These efforts will also directly benefit the understanding of domestic resources of other economically valuable mineral and energy resources, groundwater resources and water security, geologic hazards, and infrastructure dependencies on subsurface geology.

State geological surveys and related state government agencies may make application for support by a named principal investigator. Due to limited availability of funds to support new external projects, consultation with USGS is strongly recommended prior to submission of applications.

Profit organizations, public nonprofit institutions/organizations, private nonprofit institutions/organizations, and State and local governments, industry and public decision makers, research scientists, engineers, and the general public will ultimately benefit from knowledge gained under the program.

Applications must be for scientific research projects which are within the Survey's area of responsibility. The majority of funds are used to support research that will enhance existing, long-term collaborative projects. Funds can be used for attendance at national conferences for the dissemination of project results. Further, conferences and symposia will be supported only if it is clear that equivalent results cannot be obtained at regular meetings of professional societies. Office furniture, office equipment, and foreign travel are not normally considered for support. Funds are set aside for discretionary activities.

Programs obligate funds and send a notice of award to successful applicants. Recipients request funds in accordance with 2 CFR 200, Subpart E-Cost Principles, unless otherwise dictated by program-specific legislation or special award terms. Program will include any special payment terms and conditions in the notice of award. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Recipients request payment as needed throughout the award period.

Scientists within the Geological Survey will review and evaluate all applications consistent with authorized USGS program purposes. Criteria for judging applications will include scientific excellence and relevance to the solution of important problems within the mission of the Geological Survey. Applications will be funded only to the extent permitted by available funds.

Notification of an award is by receipt of a cooperative agreement from a U.S. Geological Survey contracting officer through GrantSolutions (https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/)

Applications requested through the formal USGS Earth MRI Solicitation for geologic/geochemical mapping for FY2025 are accepted on a rolling basis from July 2025 through December 2025. Mine waste applications were accepted March-April 2025. Applications requested through the formal USGS Earth MRI Solicitation for geologic/geochemical mapping for FY2026 will be accepted on a rolling basis from May 2026 through December 2026. Mine waste applications will tentatively be accepted March - April 2026.

Estimated no more than 3-4 months after receipt of formal proposal through Grants.gov.

No-cost extensions are permitted, subject to USGS Program Officer approval. Proposals must be submitted for each new project period. Length of project period to be determined by USGS Program Officer and Earth MRI Staff.