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.

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.