View of Half Dome from approximately 2,000’ up El Capitan (Mescalito)
View of Half Dome from approximately 2,000’ up El Capitan (Mescalito)
Source: View of Half Dome from approximately 2,000’ up El Capitan (Mescalito) | U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov)
Artificial Intelligence for Critical Mineral Assessment Competition

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the United States Geological Survey have partnered to explore the potential of machine learning and artificial intelligence tools and techniques to enhance USGS critical mineral assessments.

This competition has ended. DARPA is continuing its work with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) via the Critical Mineral Assessments with AI Support (CriticalMAAS) effort.

Learn more at sam.gov

 
About Our Effort
Mapping advanced argillic alteration at Cuprite, Nevada using imaging spectroscopy
Image Source: Swayze, G.A., R.N. Clark, A.F.H. Goetz, K.E. Livo, G.N. Breit, F.A. Kruse, S.J. Stutley, L.W. Snee, H.A. Lowers, J.L. Post, R.E. Stoffregen, and R.P. Ashley, 2014, Mapping advanced argillic alteration at Cuprite, Nevada using imaging spectroscopy: Economic Geology, v. 109, no. 5, p. 1179-1221. doi: 10.2113/econgeo.109.5.1179 pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/70196084

The United States depends on a variety of raw, non-fuel materials known as “critical minerals” to manufacture products considered essential to national security.

The Energy Act of 2020 called for the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to assess all critical mineral resources in the U.S. In addition, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law called on the USGS to assess potential critical mineral resources in mine wastes. These assessments can quantify potential mineral sources from existing domestic mines – whether historical or active – and help identify opportunities for economically and environmentally viable resource development. Using traditional techniques, assessing all 50 critical minerals would proceed too slowly to address present-day supply chain needs.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and USGS have partnered to explore the potential for machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) tools and techniques to accelerate critical mineral assessments by automating key steps in the process.

 
Desired Outcomes for USGS and Department of Defense (DOD)
Increased Throughput of Quantitative Mineral Assessments
USGS will conduct high-quality, quantitative assessments in less time to increase throughput and help the agency meet increasing demand of critical mineral assessments.
Application of Best Science for Optimal Customer Outcomes
USGS will integrate the best data, methodologies and technologies to deliver the most accurate assessments.
Framework for Future AI/ML Integration
USGS will deploy a custom framework for integrating AI/ML to bring benefits such as automation, enhanced quality, and continuous improvements. A general version of the framework can guide other agencies with similar challenges.
Timely and Accurate Insights for DOD Supply Chain Decisions
DOD and other national security partners will have timely and accurate quantitative mineral resource assessments to inform supply chain decisions.
Additional Benefits to DOD

U.S. national security depends on critical minerals but many of those are imported. As part of broader efforts to secure its supply chain, the U.S. government is looking at ways to reduce its dependence on foreign sources or single points of failure. The table below shows a sample of critical minerals and applications that support defense technology.

Critical Mineral Example Use in Defense Technology
Neodymium
 
Missile guidance systems
Samarium
 
Nuclear reactor control rods
Praseodymium
 
Aircraft engines, satellites
Lanthanum
 
Night-vision goggles
Europium
 
LEDs
Yttrium
 
Microwave emitters
Promethium
 
Missile batteries
Graph of Mine Production of Rare Earth Elements in kT (kilo tones) per country in 2020. China 140kT, U.S. 39kT, Australia 18kT, India 2kT, Russia 2kT, Vietnam 1kt, Brazil 1kT
Mine Production of Rare Earth Elements in kT (kilo tones) per country in 2020.
Source: USGS, pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2022/mcs2022-rare-earths.pdf

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