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**UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR**

**U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY**

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| **U.S. Geological Survey**                                            |
|                                                                       |
| **Mineral Resources External Research Program**                       |
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PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT No. 06HQPA0006

**For Fiscal Year 2006**

**ISSUE DATE: January 13, 2006**

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| **CLOSING DATE & TIME:**                                              |
|                                                                       |
| **February 24, 2006 4:00 p.m. EDT**                                   |
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**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

[Page Number]{.underline}

Funding Opportunity Description........................................
3

Award
Information......................................................... 3

Selected Research
Topics.................................................. 4

Multi-Year
Proposals....................................................... 5

Eligibility
Information......................................................6

Application and Submission Information................................ 6

Award Terms and
Conditions..............................................9

Application Review
Information..........................................10

Award Administration
Information.......................................11

Agency
Contacts............................................................ 13

Attachment I -- Selected Research Topics...............................
14

Attachment II -- Mineral Resources Program Projects -- FY 2006... 28

DON'T WAIT!! GET STARTED *NOW*!!!

Begin your application process by visiting the *Grants.gov* web site and
click on the tab in the upper right side of the screen marked, "Get
Started." Begin working on the six steps [now]{.underline} because it
will take time to complete each step. If you wait until the last minute,
you will not have enough time to complete the steps before the deadline
for receipt of applications. Also, it will take time to become familiar
with filling out the new electronic versions of the SF 424 forms that
must be completed and submitted with your application.

Although no changes to the program announcement are anticipated, check
back periodically at *Grants.gov* FIND to make certain no modifications
have been issued.

HELP!

### For all technical questions about applying through *Grants.gov*, call the *Grants.gov* Help Desk at: 1-800-518-GRANTS

**For questions concerning this Program Announcement, please contact F.
Diane Peters, Contracting Officer, at (703) 648-7356;
fpeters@usgs.gov.**

Full Text Program Announcement

**Funding Opportunity Description:**

The Mineral Resources Program (MRP) of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
is offering a grant and/or cooperative agreement opportunity to
universities, State agencies, Tribal governments or organizations, and
industry or other private sector organizations that have the ability to
conduct research in topics that meet the goals of the Mineral Resources
Program. The long-term goals of the MRP, as described in the MRP
Five-Year Plan for FY 2006-2010 are as follows:

# Long-term goal 1: Ensure availability of up-to-date quantitative assessments of potential for undiscovered mineral deposits

# Long-term goal 2: Ensure availability of up-to-date geoenvironmental assessments of priority Federal lands

# Long-term goal 3: Ensure availability of reliable geologic, geochemical, geophysical, and mineral locality data for the United States

# Continuing goal: Ensure availability of scientific facilities and services required to achieve MRP goals (geochemical research and development laboratories, geophysical research and development laboratories, and project-level geographic information systems and information management)

# Long-term goal 4: Ensure availability of long-term data sets describing mineral production and consumption

For more information on the five-year plan for MRP, refer to
<http://minerals.usgs.gov/>.

In order for a proposal to be considered for an award, **it must be
research-based and address one or more of the MRP five-year plan
objectives listed above**. Proposals may address, but are not required
to address, any of the research topics described in the "Selected
Research Topics" section below (see also Attachment I). Proposals may
also address goals or issues described in current MRP projects; refer to
Attachment II for a description of current projects.

**Award Information:**

-   The ***total*** amount of funding available for the MRERP is
    \$1,000,000. The MRP anticipates making awards in Fiscal Year 2006
    for 10 to 20 proposals submitted under this program announcement,
    however, individual proposals are not restricted to a set level of
    funding. Work performance under these awards must start before
    October 1, 2006, and the proposed work must be completed no later
    than one year from the start date. Multi-year proposals may be
    submitted as described in the "Multi-Year Proposal" section below.

-   Collaborative proposals between an external organization and a
    USGS/MRERP project may be funded as a cooperative agreement or as a
    grant depending upon the extent and type involvement of the USGS in
    the work. Discussion and coordination between internal and external
    researchers is encouraged; however, USGS personnel are prohibited
    from helping an external organization prepare its proposal for
    competitive funding.

-   Proposals to fund research in foreign countries will be considered
    when the proposed research provides knowledge or new techniques
    leading to a greater understanding of U.S. mineral resource issues.
    Applications submitted by foreign organizations must be submitted in
    English and in U.S. dollars. Awards involving foreign governments
    may require additional coordination and approval by the U.S.
    Department of State.

-   MRERP reserves the right to fund either part or all of the
    applicants involved in a collaborative study.

**Selected Research Topics**

The following selected research topics are especially relevant to
current research addressing MRP goals. For more detailed descriptions of
each topic, refer to Attachment II. For proposals addressing these
topics, a**pplicants are encouraged to provide a statement from MRP
scientists (contacts listed in Appendix I) indicating support of the
proposed work.**

# **Long-term goal 1: Ensure availability of up-to-date quantitative assessments of potential for undiscovered mineral deposits**

-   Gold in Tertiary volcanic rocks, Alaska Peninsula and south-central
    Alaska

-   Magnetite in the redbed-associated stratabound copper mineralizing
    system in the Middle Proterozoic Belt Supergroup

-   Neoproterozoic glaciation and genesis of sediment rock-hosted ores

-   Phosphorite genesis and exhalative metal deposits

-   Porphyry copper: geomicrobiology and mineralizing systems

-   Thermochronologic approaches to decipher tectonic evolution of
    extensional terranes

-   U-series dating of hydrothermal silica minerals, High Cascades
    volcanoes

# **Long-term goal 2: Ensure availability of up-to-date geoenvironmental assessments of priority Federal lands**

-   Bioaccessibility of potentially toxic metals, central Colorado

-   Bioavailability of metals in soil using microbial biosensors

-   Dating of pediment surfaces at the Gunnison Gorge National
    Conservation Area, Colorado

-   Enhancing the predictive capability of ecosystem models

-   Evaluation of mercury methylation in Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir,
    Idaho

-   Identification of microbes involved in the production and
    destruction of methylmercury in California's mine impacted
    ecosystems

-   Geochemical processes controlling elemental fluxes away from mineral
    deposits and their mine wastes

-   Influence of graphite-rich Ordovician to Precambrian metamorphic
    rocks (Nome Group) on the regional biogeochemistry of willow and
    moose in Alaska

-   Laboratory experimental oxidation studies of massive sulfides from
    Prince William Sound, Alaska

-   Rates of sulfide mineral dissolution at the mineral surface

# **Long-term goal 3: Ensure availability of reliable geologic, geochemical, geophysical, and mineral locality data for the United States**

-   Arsenic geochemistry of soils in the vicinity of the Mother Lode
    Belt of gold deposits in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada,
    California

-   Deposit models, ore genesis, and unique metallogenetic environments
    of Alaska

-   Development of techniques in the laboratory or applications of
    laboratory capabilities to fundamental problems of ore genesis

-   Evolution of ore-hosting terranes in southwest Alaska

-   Nature and genesis of mineralization at new mining sites in Alaska

-   The role of natural organic matter (NOM) in the metal mobility and
    isotopic fractionation in mineralized systems

# **Long-term goal 4: Ensure availability of long-term data sets describing mineral production and consumption**

-   Development of a sampling methodology for the iron and steel scrap
    and pig iron canvass

-   Materials flow analysis: A decomposition of U.S. apparent
    consumption of nonfuel mineral commodities

-   Methodology development for research and analysis of U.S. embodied
    mineral commodity trade

-   Service lifetimes of mineral end uses: Analyzing potential for
    increased use of secondary metals

-   Tracking end uses of carbon and stainless steel

**Multi-Year Proposals:**

If the proposed work is such that two years are required to complete the
research, then a two-year proposal is appropriate and applicants are
encouraged to write their proposals accordingly. However, proposals
should clearly define the work to be completed in the first and second
years, and the evaluation panel reserves the option to fund only the
first year of two-year proposals. The second year of funding for a
two-year grant is contingent upon the availability of funds and
satisfactory progress demonstrated by the recipient. Progress will be
determined through technical review of a Progress Report by the MRERP
coordinator or designated contact.

**Eligibility Information (Who May Submit a Proposal):**

Applications will be accepted from any individual who has the ability to
conduct research consistent with the Mineral Resources Program goals
identified in the "Funding Opportunity Description" section and who is
not employed by a Federal agency. Federal employees can be collaborators
in proposed research, however, they are prohibited from receiving MRERP
funds for salary or other expenses. Applicants can be affiliated (but
are not required to be affiliated) with universities, State agencies,
Tribal governments or organizations, industry, or other private sector
groups.

The following proposals are **ineligible** for consideration under this
announcement:

-   Proposals from U.S. Government agencies or U.S. Government
    employees.

-   Proposals from Federally Funded Research and Development Centers
    (FFRDC).

-   Proposals in which there is a real or the appearance of a conflict
    of interest.

**Application and Submission Information:**

Applicants are to submit proposals electronically at
*http://www.grants.gov /Apply*, no later than February 24, 2006 @ 4:00
p.m. EDT. **Applicants are also required to provide 10 stapled,
double-sided copies of submitted proposals (text and required forms), by
the same deadline, to F. Diane Peters, U.S. Geological Survey, National
Center, Office of Acquisition and Grants, Mail Stop 205G, Reston, VA
20192.** If you have questions concerning the submission process, please
contact Diane Peters at 703-648-7356 or <fpeters@usgs.gov>. Applicants
will receive an email response from the USGS Office of Acquisition and
Grants to acknowledge receipt of submitted proposals.

Proposals submitted through *http://www.grants.gov /Apply* after the
closing date and time or copies of proposals received by the USGS Office
of Acquisition and Grants after the closing date and time will ***not be
considered*** for award. If it is determined that an application will
not be considered due to lateness, the applicant will be so notified
immediately. Applicants will be notified of the status of their
application (accepted or not) by April 7, 2006.

Please arrange your application according to the format provided below.
Following this format ensures that every proposal contains all essential
information and is evaluated equitably.

1\. Proposal Forms

Begin by downloading the PureEdge Viewer at http://www.grants.gov under
the "Get Started" tab in the upper right corner of the screen. The
PureEdge Viewer will enable applicants to view and complete the
following required forms:

SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance

SF-424a Budget Information

SF-424b Assurances -- Non-Construction Programs

(The DI-2010 U.S. Department of the Interior Certifications Regarding
Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters, Drug-Free
Workplace Requirements and Lobbying is required but is not yet available
through *Grants.gov*. This form will be completed when the
grant/cooperative agreement is awarded).

2\. Proposal Narrative

a\. **Proposal Summary Sheet**

> The first page of the proposal shall contain the following
> information:

Project Title:

Principal Investigator(s) (person we can contact, if needed):

Name:

Address:

Phone:

FAX:

Email:

Name of university, state agency, or other organization:

Project Deliverable:

Total Funds Requested:
\$\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

b\. **Proposal Text**. The text (a-g below) should be no longer than 10
pages, with 1-inch margins and a font size no smaller than 12. The text
for multi-year proposals may be up to 15 pages. Please include the
following:

a.  [Statement of Problem]{.underline}. Give a brief introduction to the
    research problem.

b.  [Objectives]{.underline}. Clearly define goals of project. State how
    the proposal addresses MRP goals.

c.  [Relevance and Impact]{.underline}. Explain why the work is
    important. Specify the contribution to science related to mineral
    resources and the benefits that society will receive from the
    project. **Proposals should describe why the research is important
    to *regional* or *national* mineral resource issues.**

d.  [Work Plan]{.underline}. This section should include a fairly
    detailed discussion of the work plan and technical approach. The
    percentage of your time that you can devote to the proposed work
    should also be indicated. **For proposals addressing any of the
    "Selected Research Topics" or for any other proposal collaborative
    with ongoing MRP projects, a statement from MRP researchers
    indicating their support of the proposed work is strongly
    encouraged.**

e.  [Preliminary Results and Prior Work]{.underline}. Provide a brief
    summary of findings or outcomes of any prior work you have completed
    in this area.

f.  [Planned Product(s)]{.underline}. List product(s) (reports,
    analyses, digital data, etc.) that will be delivered at the end of
    the performance period. When reports are submitted at the end of the
    work period, it is recognized that they may be in review and might
    not yet be in final form. **All results should ultimately be
    published in a peer-reviewed form**. Because MRP is focused on
    regional and/or national issues related to mineral resources,
    **products having an impact at a regional or national level will be
    given higher priority.**

g.  [Dissemination of Research Results.]{.underline} The USGS considers
    dissemination of research data and results to potential users of
    those results to be an integral and crucial aspect of projects
    funded by this program. Beyond the requirements for a final report,
    describe your plan for dissemination of project data and results
    that will result in the greatest possible benefit to customers as
    defined by your proposal. **Describe in detail your plans for
    dissemination of the project results and indicate the customers to
    whom the project is directed.** Applicants are strongly encouraged
    to disseminate research results to the scientific community and
    appropriate professional organizations; local, State, regional and
    Federal agencies; and the general public. The USGS encourages the
    Recipient to publish project reports in scientific and technical
    journals.

h.  [References Cited]{.underline}. List all references to which you
    refer in text and references from your past work in the field that
    the research problem addresses. Be sure to identify references as
    journal articles, chapters in books, abstracts, maps, digital data,
    etc.

i.  [Project Personnel]{.underline}. List the Principal Investigator
    first, followed by the names of other individuals. Indicate the role
    for each participant in the project (geologist, geochemist, field
    assistant, etc.). Include a **brief** vita for each person.
    Emphasize previous experience in the field of study that the
    proposal addresses.

j.  [Continuation projects]{.underline}. List the total amount of
    funding per year for which support was provided by the USGS, as well
    as the duration of each increment (including no-cost extensions),
    and the total number of person months committed by each Principal
    Investigator each year.

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c.  **Budget Sheets**. This information will provide more details than
    what is required under the SF 424A form. Please include the
    following:

    a.  [Salaries and Wages]{.underline}. List names, positions, and
        rate of compensation. If contract employees are hired, include
        their total time, rate of compensation, job titles, and roles.

    b.  [Fringe benefits/labor overhead]{.underline}. Indicate the
        rates/amounts in conformance with normal accounting procedures.
        Explain what costs are covered in this category and the basis of
        the rate computations.

    c.  [Field Expenses]{.underline}. Briefly itemize the estimated
        travel costs (i.e., number of people, number of travel days,
        lodging and transportation costs, and other travel costs).

    d.  [Lab Analyses]{.underline}. Include geochemical analyses,
        radiocarbon age dating, etc. Briefly itemize cost of all
        analytical work.

    e.  [Supplies]{.underline}. Enter the cost for all tangible
        property. Include the cost of office, laboratory, computing, and
        field supplies separately. Provide detail on any specific item,
        which represents a significant portion of the proposed amount.

    f.  [Equipment]{.underline}. Show the cost of all special-purpose
        equipment necessary for achieving the objectives of the project.
        \"Special-purpose equipment\" means scientific equipment having
        a useful life of more than 1 year and having an acquisition cost
        of \$5,000 or more per item. Each item should be itemized and
        include a full justification and a dealer or manufacturer quote,
        if available. General-purpose equipment must be purchased from
        the applicant\'s operating funds. Title to non-expendable
        personal property shall be vested solely with the Recipient.
        Under no circumstances shall property title be vested in a
        sub-tier recipient.

    g.  [Services or consultants]{.underline}. Identify the tasks or
        problems for which such services would be used. List the
        contemplated sub-recipients by name (including consultants), the
        estimated amount of time required, and the quoted rate per day
        or hour.

    h.  [Travel]{.underline}. State the purpose of the trip and itemize
        the estimated travel costs to show the number of trips required,
        the destinations, the number of people traveling, the per diem
        rates, the cost of transportation, and any miscellaneous
        expenses for each trip. Calculations of other special
        transportation costs (such as charges for use of applicant-owned
        vehicles or vehicle rental costs) should also be shown.

    i.  [Publication costs]{.underline}. Show the estimated cost of
        publishing the results of the research, including the final
        report. Include costs of drafting or graphics, reproduction,
        page or illustration charges, and a minimum number of reprints.

    j.  [Other direct costs]{.underline}. Itemize the different types of
        costs not included elsewhere; such as, shipping, computing,
        equipment-use charges, or other services.

    k.  [Total Direct Charges]{.underline}. Totals for items a - j.

    l.  [Indirect Charges (Overhead)]{.underline}. Indirect cost/general
        and administrative (G&A) cost. Show the proposed rate, cost
        base, and proposed amount for indirect costs based on the cost
        principles applicable to the Applicant\'s organization. If the
        Applicant has separate rates for recovery of labor overhead and
        G&A costs, each charge should be shown.

    m.  [Amount proposed]{.underline}. Total items k and l.

    n.  [Multi-year projects]{.underline}. The Applicant shall provide
        summary information as well as a detailed budget for the second
        year. **The SF 424, however, shall reflect support for the one
        year only.**

**Award Terms and Conditions**

a.  [No-cost extensions to the project period]{.underline}: No-cost
    extensions are discouraged. The MRP awards grants and cooperative
    agreements for research that extends or supplements the ongoing
    research within the U.S. Geological Survey. The timely conduct of
    funded projects is of great importance to the achievement of the
    goals of the MRP. Applicants should consider their time commitments
    at the time of applying for a grant. Requests for no-cost extensions
    will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should supply
    documentation supporting their request for an extension.

b.  [Dissemination of results]{.underline}: All award recipients shall
    complete proposed work within the required time frame, results shall
    be published in a peer-reviewed form, and **all data resulting from
    the research shall be released to the public domain in a timely
    fashion**. The Government may publish, reproduce, and use all
    technical data developed as a result of this award in any manner and
    for any purpose, without limitation, and may authorize others to do
    the same. Data generated as a part of work funded under this program
    is not subject to a proprietary period of exclusive data access. Any
    data generated must be made available to the USGS as soon as it is
    available. The USGS reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive and
    irrevocable license to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use, and to
    authorize others to use the data for Government purposes. Any
    project funded in whole or part with funds obtained under this
    program shall fall under this clause. The USGS Contracting Officer
    is the sole person to decide which data fall into this category if
    questions arise.

**Application Review Information**

Proposals will be reviewed by a seven-member panel. The panel will be
composed of a chairperson (an MRP representative), two reviewers from
the USGS, and four reviewers external to the USGS. All reviewers will
have expertise in mineral resources. The chairperson is a non-voting
member. Evaluation Criteria for the panel are below.

**Evaluation Criteria**. All proposals will be evaluated in accordance
with the following criteria:

**1. Scientific quality and impact: (40 points)**

(a) Is the work basic research and does it address the goals of the
    Mineral Resources Program?

(b) Does the proposed work respond to societal or customer needs at a
    regional or national level?

(c) Will this work make fundamental advances in geoscientific research,
    enhance technology development, or provide fundamental minerals
    information?

(d) Will this work (1) advance our understanding of (a) the occurrence,
    quality, quantity, and environmental characteristics of mineral
    resources, (b) the fundamental processes that create and modify
    them, or (c) the life cycle of minerals and mineral materials; (2)
    contribute to developing objective methods for assessing mineral
    resources; or (3) help predict the potential environmental impact of
    mineral development?

(e) Will this work contribute to resolution of issues involving the
    economy, sustainable use, land stewardship, environmental impact, or
    public health?

**2. Work plan: (15 points)**

(a) Is the strategy clear and designed for success?

(b) Are the scientific objectives appropriate for proposed time frame?

(c) Are the geographic areas selected for study appropriate?

(d) Are the tools selected for research appropriate?

**3. Planned Products and Dissemination of Results: (15 points)**

(a) Will the products respond to societal and/or customer needs?

(b) Will the results be published in a peer-reviewed form?

(c) Is the plan for dissemination of the project results to the
    scientific community and appropriate professional organizations;
    local, State, regional and federal agencies; and the general public
    adequate?

(d) Are the products far-reaching -- do they have regional or national
    impact?

(e) Are the products clearly defined?

(f) Are the products appropriate to the work as well as to the expected
    users?

(g) Can these products be produced in the proposed time frame with
    resources requested?

**4. Budget Justification and Clarity: (15 points)**

> \(a\) Is staff sufficient to accomplish the proposed goals?
>
> \(b\) Are field expenses, supplies, lab work, and other expenses
> appropriate?
>
> \(c\) Are expenses adequately itemized?

5.  **Experience/Competence of Research Personnel: (15 points)**

    a.  Have the applicants demonstrated (through bibliographic
        references, previous experience, awards, etc.) that they are
        capable of doing the proposed research?

    b.  Have the applicants demonstrated a thorough knowledge of the
        scientific problem?

> \(c\) For recent MRERP award recipients:

-   Was publication of project results and data in peer‑reviewed
    scientific or technical journals achieved in a timely manner?

-   Were reporting requirements from previous MRERP awards satisfied?

-   Was the work completed in a competent fashion?

**Award Administration Information:**

Award recipients are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations
of the grant/cooperative agreements and sub-award supported activities
to assure compliance with applicable Federal requirements, and that
performance goals are being achieved. Recipient monitoring must cover
each program, function or activity.

## The following reports will be required from all award recipients:

  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
  **Report**                          **Due Dates**

  Performance Report                  On or before 90 working days after
                                      the expiration of the agreement

  Quarterly SF-272 Federal Cash       On or before 15 working days after
  Transactions Report                 the end of each three-month
                                      performance period

  SF-269 Financial Status Report      On or before 90 working days after
                                      the expiration of the agreement
  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------

## [Performance Report:]{.underline} Recipients of awards under this program are responsible for managing and monitoring the project, program, sub-award, function or activity supported by the award. Performance reports shall generally contain brief information on each of the following:

> \(1\) A comparison of actual accomplishments with the goals and
> objectives established for the period.

\(2\) Reasons why established goals were not met, if appropriate.

(3) Other pertinent information including, when appropriate, analysis
    and explanation of unexpectedly high cost items.

[Federal Cash Transactions Report:]{.underline} The award recipient
shall submit the SF-272 Federal Cash Transactions Report in order for
the USGS Contracting Officer and Project Officer to monitor cash
advanced to the award recipient, and to obtain disbursement information
about the grant/cooperative agreement. Copies of the SF-269 form can be
obtained from the following web site:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/grants_forms.html.

## [Method of Payment:]{.underline}

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is using the Department of Health and
Human Services (DHHS) Payment Management System (PMS), Division of
Payment Management of the Financial Management Service, Program Support
Center, to provide electronic invoicing and payment for assistance award
recipients. The Recipient must either have an established account or
will establish an account with PMS at the time of award of the
agreement. With the award of each grant/cooperative agreement, a
sub-account will be set up from which the Recipient can draw down funds.
The DHHS will forward instructions for obtaining payments to the
recipients. Inquiries regarding this payment system should be directed
to:

> Division of Payment Management
>
> Department of Health and Human Services
>
> P.O. Box 6021
>
> Rockville, MD 20852

The Division of Payment Management web address is
[www.dpm.psc.gov](http://www.dpm.psc.gov/).

[Financial Report (SF-269):]{.underline} Each award recipient shall use
the SF-269 or SF-269A to report the status of funds at the end of the
project (projects shall not exceed one year). Copies of the SF-269 form
can be obtained from the following web site:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/grants_forms.html.

Financial information shall be reported on an accrual basis. However, if
the recipient's accounting records are not normally kept on an accrual
basis, the recipient shall not be required to convert its accounting
system, but shall develop such accrual information through best
estimates, based on an analysis of the documentation on hand.

**Agency Contacts:**

Technical questions concerning the application process at *Grants.gov*:

### *Grants.gov* Help Desk at: 1-800-518-GRANTS

Questions concerning this Program Announcement:

F. Diane Peters, Contracting Officer

U.S. Geological Survey

Office of Acquisition and Grants

National Center, Mail Stop 205G

Reston, VA 20192

Phone: (703) 648-7356

E-Mail: [fpeters@usgs.gov](mailto:kcraig@usgs.gov)

\--End of Program Announcement No. 06HQPA0006\--

**Attachment I - Selected Research Topics**

# **Mineral Resources External Research Program - 2006**

# **Selected Research Topics**

# 

# **Long-term goal 1: Ensure availability of up-to-date quantitative assessments of potential for undiscovered mineral deposits**

-   **Gold in Tertiary volcanic rocks, Alaska Peninsula and
    south-central Alaska** **-** In south-central Alaska from the Alaska
    Range east of Cook Inlet to the southwestern end of the Alaska
    Peninsula, epithermal gold mineralization and deposits are known to
    occur in association with Tertiary volcanic rocks. In a few cases,
    these deposits have been highly productive (Apollo and Sitka mines)
    and in other cases highly prospective (Shumagin prospect, 25 Gold,
    and others). Copper-gold porphyry systems are also present. As a
    result of AMRAP studies in the 1970's and 1980's, USGS scientists
    collected a large suite of volcanic rock samples and completed a
    wide variety of chemical analyses. Inferences were made during the
    resource assessment process about the correlation of gold
    mineralization with certain chemical signatures in the volcanic
    rocks, however no systematic study was ever made to confirm or deny
    the hypotheses. Proposals are solicited to test various hypotheses
    that might relate the gold mineralization to these chemical
    signatures and phases of the volcanism. This work would be useful in
    developing and testing hypotheses to explain the volcanic rock and
    mineralization association and could provide a prospecting guide for
    the region. Contact: Ric Wilson, U.S. Geological Survey, 4200
    University Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508-4667;
    [fwilson@usgs.gov]{.underline}; 907-786-7448.

-   **Magnetite in the redbed-associated stratabound copper mineralizing
    system in the Middle Proterozoic Belt Supergroup** - The
    "Metallogenesis of Proterozoic Basins" project solicits proposals
    aimed at characterizing magnetite formed in redbed-associated
    stratabound copper mineralizing systems. In the redbed copper system
    in the Middle Proterozoic Ravalli Group, Belt Supergroup, magnetite
    occurs (1) regionally in former redbeds at biotite grade of
    greenschist facies (pure burial) metamorphism not associated with
    the Cu deposits, (2) in Cu-depleted, albite-rich rocks of the Albite
    alteration zone which is interpreted as being distantly associated
    with the Cu deposits as the source rocks of the metal, and (3) in a
    narrow part of the ore mineral zonation, together with chalcocite,
    digenite, bornite, ferromagnesian dolomite, barite, and authigenic
    K-feldspar. There is good evidence that each of these other
    authigenic minerals within ore originated as a sandstone cement
    during diagenesis. Three types of magnetite studies would enhance
    the "Metallogenesis of Proterozoic Basins" project: (1) mapping and
    semiquantitative interpretation of aeromagnetic data focused on the
    various magnetite occurrences in the Ravalli Group rocks; (2)
    magnetite geochemistry studies employing laser-ablation ICPMS and
    comparisons with magnetite from ordinary igneous and other
    environments; and (3) establishment of temperatures of magnetite
    precipitation in the different occurrences using microsampling and
    oxygen isotope studies. Contacts: Steve Box, U.S. Geological Survey,
    West 904 Riverside Ave., Spokane, WA, 99201; <sbox@usgs.gov>;
    509-368-3106; Tim Hayes, U.S. Geological Survey, E.N.R. Bldg.,
    520 N. Park Ave., Tucson, AZ, 85719-5035; <thayes@usgs.gov>;
    520-670-5024.

-   **Neoproterozoic glaciation and genesis of sediment rock-hosted
    ores** - Proposals are solicited for field- and laboratory-based
    research to address potential links between Neoproterozoic
    glaciation and genesis of sediment rock hosted ores. Such links are
    likely in certain areas of current interest for USGS mineral
    resource studies (e.g., east-central Alaska, West African craton,
    and Kalahari craton) and may also apply in other Neoproterozoic
    basins that have a record of Neoproterozoic glaciations (e.g.,
    Idaho, Utah, California). Deposit types of interest include redbed
    copper, banded iron, sedimentary manganese, and barite. Possible
    approaches might include regional stratigraphy, stable-isotope
    chemostratigraphy, geochronology, or detailed ore-deposit studies.
    Contact: Dwight Bradley; U.S. Geological Survey, 4200 University
    Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508;
    [dbradley@usgs.gov](mailto:atill@usgs.gov); 907-786-7434.

-   **Phosphorite genesis and exhalative metal deposits** - Ancient
    sedimentary basins host some of the largest and economically
    important metal deposits on Earth. Single sedimentary basins often
    are host to different types of syngenetic metal deposits in
    correlative strata; for example, sedex Zn-Pb-Ag-Ba, Au-Ba,
    Ni-PGE-Mo-Au-V-P, and phosphate deposits, and metalliferous black
    shales are all commonly hosted in correlative strata of the same
    sedimentary basin. An outgrowth of the research under the "Metals
    and Basinal Brines and Petroleum" project has been a pilot study to
    assess the relationship of phosphate deposits in this spectrum. New
    Rb-Sr analyses from the Phosporia Formation and the giant
    phosphorite of Tunisia show the presence of radiogenic Sr in these
    phosphate deposits and suggest a hydrothermal link, in contrast to
    an upwelling process. A series of high-resolution samples have been
    collected from Cambrian deposits of south China and Cambrian
    Georgina Basin in Australia, Delle and Phosporia Formations.
    Proposals are solicited to evaluate a possible genetic link between
    phosphate deposits and exhalative hydrothermal systems. Proposed
    work may involve use of petrographic and analytical resources and
    lab facilities at the U.S. Geological Survey in Denver
    including: (1) petrographic microscopy (transmitted, reflected,
    cathodoluminescence) and SEM facilities for study of sedimentary
    phosphate; (2) trace element analyses of phosphate using microprobe
    and laser ablation ICP-MS analyses to evaluate post depositional
    alteration of isotopic systematics; (3) Rb-Sr, U-Th-Pb, Nd-Sm
    analyses of phosphate using new methods and facilities established
    by the Brines project for sample preparation and analyses using TIMS
    and the new multi-collector; and (4) δ^18^O and δ ^34^S analyses of
    phosphate in the stable isotope lab using new methods development by
    the Brines project. Poul Emsbo, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver
    Federal Center, P.O. Box 25046, MS 973, Denver, Colorado 80225;
    <pemsbo@usgs.gov>; 303-236-1113.

-   **Porphyry copper: geomicrobiology and mineralizing systems -**
    Proposals addressing geomicrobiological studies of active exotic
    copper- and manganocrete-depositing systems are solicited. Cu-, Fe-,
    and Mn-depositing reactions at temperatures commonly less than
    25^o^C are almost certainly microbially mediated. New studies are
    needed to identify the microbes involved and define the role that
    the metal-depositing reactions play in metabolic processes, with the
    goal of increasing understanding of the chemical pathways of metals
    precipitation. Proposals addressing Jurassic mineralization and
    alteration systems in the Sonoran Desert region are also solicited.
    This work should include a comparison of Jurassic systems to
    Laramide mineralization systems and associated plutonic rocks,
    particularly with regard to petrology and geochemistry. Features
    that these two systems have in common may directly or indirectly
    reflect characteristics of the continental crust within which they
    both developed. Significant differences between mineralizing systems
    of these two ages may result from contrasts in Jurassic and Laramide
    tectonic and petrogenetic regimes, such as extensional versus
    compressional deformation, or alkaline versus calc-alkaline
    magmatism. Contact: Bob Kamilli, 520 N. Park Ave., Tucson, AZ,
    85719-5035, <bkamilli@usgs.gov>, 520-670-5576.

-   **Thermochronologic approaches to decipher tectonic evolution of
    extensional terranes** *--* Proposals in thermochronologic
    approaches to the tectonic evolution of extensional terranes are
    solicited by the "Metallogeny of the Great Basin" project. To
    decipher the cooling history of the Ruby Mountain-East Humboldt core
    complex in north-eastern Nevada, requested studies include research
    on Ar-Ar, fission-track, and possibly U-Th-He dating using a variety
    of mineral systems. The goal of the study is to generate a
    whole-crust geologic framework of the Carlin-Elko metallogenic
    province. This work is important in reconstructing the Paleogene and
    Neogene geologic frameworks, integrating the processes that led to
    producing the Carlin-type deposits, and building a 4-D database as a
    foundation for understanding metallogeny in the Great Basin.
    Contact: Keith Howard, U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road,
    MS 973, Menlo Park, CA, 94025; [khoward@usgs.gov]{.underline};
    303-236-5530.

-   **U-series dating of hydrothermal silica minerals, High Cascades
    volcanoes** - Dating young (≤2 Ma, mostly ≤500 Ka) hydrothermal
    alteration on active and recently active volcanoes in the High
    Cascades (Mount Rainier, Mt. Adams, Maidu, and Brokeoff volcanoes)
    using conventional ^40^Ar/^39^Ar techniques has proven difficult,
    mostly due to the lack of suitable minerals for dating. Confirmation
    of inferred field relations and development of detailed genetic
    models require accurate and precise dating of the hydrothermal
    systems. U-series dating of hydrothermal silica phases (opaline
    silica and/or fine-grained quartz) similar to techniques developed
    for studies at Yucca Mountain offers a potential method for dating
    this alteration. Proposals are solicited for testing U-series dating
    on well characterized samples from these volcanoes using LA-ICP-MS
    and/or SHRIMP. Contact: Dave John, U.S. Geological Survey, 345
    Middlefield Rd., MS 901, Menlo Park, CA, 94025; <djohn@usgs.gov>;
    650-329-5424.

# **Long-term goal 2: Ensure availability of up-to-date geoenvironmental assessments of priority Federal lands**

-   **Bioaccessibility of potentially toxic metals, central Colorado** -
    MRP is currently conducting an environmental assessment of central
    Colorado (Central Colorado Assessment Project). In this work, the
    environmental effects of selected watersheds affected by historical
    mining are being evaluated. The goal is to provide a
    sediment---water---biofilm---macroinvertebrate baseline to evaluate
    bioaccessibility of potentially toxic metals and metalloids (Al, As,
    Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn) in the aquatic environment within the study area. In
    FY 2006, the USGS is conducting an assessment of the physical and
    chemical characteristics of about 100 small drainage basins (5-10
    km^2^) to assess water and sediment quality using standard
    environmental protocols. Proposals related to the collection,
    identification, and preparation of macroinvertebrates and biofilm
    for analysis are solicited. Invertebrates will be identified down to
    the genus level. The Caddis fly *Arctopsycse grandis* will be the
    primary target species for metals analysis although other species
    may be collected if *Arctopsycse grandis* is not present. Metals
    analysis will be conducted using ICP-MS. This biological study is
    essential in assessing the effects of past mineral development on
    the aquatic life in the riparian habitat and development of
    environmental assessment protocols. Contact: Stan Church, U.S.
    Geological Survey, Denver Federal Center, P.O. Box 25046, MS 973,
    Denver, CO, 80225-0046; [schurch@usgs.gov]{.underline},
    303-236-1900.

-   **Bioavailability of metals in soil using microbial biosensors** -
    Total element concentration is not always the most useful parameter
    for characterizing the impact of metallic elements in soils on
    ecosystems and potentially human health. Bioavailability of metal is
    more critical than total concentration as a measure of the potential
    of an element to participate in environmental impacts. The MRP is
    presently pursuing a number of research directions designed to
    determine bioavailability of elements. However, there is a
    particularly promising research direction that we are not presently
    equipped to study. That direction is the use of bacterial probes to
    determine metal bioavailability. This technology utilizes bacteria
    that have been genetically modified to quantitatively produce light
    proportional to their metal uptake. Literature data indicate that
    these bacterial sensors are available for Zn, Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni, As,
    and Cr. Proposals are solicited to compare and contrast these
    biosensors with our existing measures of bioavailability (typically
    selective leach studies) in a variety of geologic environments of
    relevance to the MRP. A particularly attractive geographic area for
    research is in northern California where MRP scientists have
    identified a number of naturally and anthropogenically impacted
    environments where the elements As, Cd, Cr, and Ni are present in
    elevated concentrations in rocks and soils. Contact: Marty
    Goldhaber, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver Federal Center, P.O. Box
    25046, MS 973, Denver, CO, 80225-0046; <mgold@usgs.gov>, (303)
    236-1521.

-   **Dating of pediment surfaces at the Gunnison Gorge National
    Conservation Area, Colorado** **-** At least four distinct pediment
    levels have been identified on the Gunnison Gorge National
    Conservation Area (GGNCA). The apparent oldest level has outcrops of
    Yellowstone volcanic ash dated at 640,000 years. The age of the
    three younger levels is unknown, but if they could be dated with
    cosmogenic isotopes, a chronosequence of soils could be established
    in this semi-arid environment. Proposals focused on dating pediment
    levels using cosmogenic isotopes are solicited. This information, in
    combination with chemical data that are currently being collected,
    can be used to determine rates of chemical weathering of the Mancos
    Shale through a time period that has undergone significant climatic
    variations. These data will be useful in predicting changes in the
    rates of chemical erosion and rates of element release to the
    environment that might occur as the result of future climatic
    changes. Or, the data may be useful in the short-term, in
    determining changes in those rates due to anthropogenic activities
    such as agricultural and urban development and the use of
    off-highway vehicles. This work would be a major contribution to the
    "MRP Mancos Shale Landscapes: Science and Management of Black Shale
    Terrains" project. Contact: Dick Grauch, U.S. Geological Survey,
    Denver Federal Center, P.O. Box 25046, MS 973, Denver, Colorado
    80225, <rgrauch@usgs.gov>, 303-236-5551.

-   **Enhancing the predictive capability of ecosystem models** **-**
    Historical mining activities have resulted in the transport of
    metal-enriched sediment and water into Coeur d'Alene Lake.
    Successful management of this lake by local, State, Federal, and
    Tribal agencies during and after up-stream remediation efforts
    requires an understanding of the complex physical, chemical, and
    biological processes that affect the cycling of metals (particularly
    Zn) and nutrients in the lake. Our current understanding of these
    processes is being incorporated into coupled quantitative models
    (ELCOM-CAEDYM) that include hydrodynamics, ecological communities,
    and biogeochemical reactions. The models will be powerful management
    tools for evaluating how Coeur d'Alene Lake responds to changes in
    metal and nutrient loading. Although we can incorporate
    biogeochemical reactions into the models, there is a notable lack of
    information from Coeur d'Alene Lake to constrain values of critical
    biogeochemical parameters used in the models, including the fluxes
    and composition of organic matter, manganese oxides, iron oxides,
    and other metal phases to the sediment (sediment trap studies),
    sediment accumulation rates and detailed information (0.5 to 1 cm
    intervals) on the amount of organic carbon, reducible manganese and
    iron oxides and associated elements, iron and other metal sulfide
    phases with depth in the sediment (sediment studies), seasonal
    concentrations of oxygen, nitrate, ammonium, manganese, iron,
    sulfate, sulfide, methane, and metals (e.g., As, Cu, Cd, Zn) in
    porewater (detailed porewater studies), and seasonal benthic flux
    measurements (metals and nutrients). Proposals addressing these
    types of information are solicited. Such information would
    complement the modeling efforts in the "Pathways Project" and,
    ultimately, would provide for better management of metals and
    nutrients in a lake impacted by mining activities. Contact: Laurie
    Balistrieri, U.S. Geological Survey, University of Washington, P.O.
    Box 355351, Seattle, WA, 98195, <balistri@usgs.gov>, 206-543-8966.

-   **Evaluation of mercury methylation in Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir,
    Idaho -** Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir (SFCR) is one of several
    reservoirs in Idaho that is listed with a mercury advisory, where
    mercury concentrations in fish exceed the safe level recommended by
    the State of Idaho and the World Health Organization. The source of
    mercury contamination to SFCR is uncertain and is presently under
    investigation as part of an MRP study in the "Geochemical
    Landscapes" project, a cooperative project with the Department of
    Environmental Quality, State of Idaho. The primary objective of the
    study is to collect reservoir sediment cores to evaluate historical
    trends of mercury deposition and relate any trends found to possible
    sources of mercury that have influenced mercury input into the
    reservoir over time. Thus far, mercury trends in collected sediment
    cores have not shown significant patterns of mercury variation with
    time, however, a few limited determinations for methylmercury in
    water from SFCR suggest unusually high mercury methylation. The
    greatest mercury threat is exposure to methylmercury, a neurotoxin
    that damages the central nervous system in humans and the dominant
    form of mercury in fish. Consumption of fish is the primary pathway
    of mercury to humans. The formation of methylmercury in SFCR needs
    further study. To evaluate mercury contamination and mercury
    transformation to methylmercury in SFCR, the "Geochemical
    Landscapes" project solicits proposals to (1) measure total Hg,
    ionic mercury (II), methylmercury concentrations in sediment and
    water collected from SFCR, and (2) measure rates of mercury
    methylation and methylmercury demethylation in sediment from SFCR
    using isotopic tracer methods. Analysis of samples will be carried
    out jointly through cooperative studies at the USGS, Denver, and
    applicant. Contacts: John Gray, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver
    Federal Center, P.O. Box 25046, MS 973, Denver, CO, 80225-0046;
    <jgray@usgs.gov>; 303-236-2446.

-   **Identification of microbes involved in the production and
    destruction of methylmercury in California's mine impacted
    ecosystems** **-** Mercury (Hg) was produced in the elemental form
    (Hgº) from mines in the Coast Range mercury belt and then used to
    extract gold from placer and lode gold deposits in the Sierra and
    Trinity gold belts. Substantial losses of Hg from these operations
    disseminated Hg across California's ecosystems. Combined with
    natural sources of Hg such as connate waters and geothermal springs
    that locally contribute to high loadings of Hg, these sources now
    pose a threat to sensitive aquatic habitats. However, the degree of
    bioaccumulation or biomagnification of Hg is directly related to the
    conversion of relatively inert forms of Hg (such as Hgº) to
    methylmercury (CH~3~Hg^+^) and to the relative rates of CH~3~Hg^+^
    production and destruction. Methylmercury is a potent neurotoxin
    that is readily bioaccumulated and biomagnified in aquatic food
    webs. It is widely accepted that microorganisms play a major role in
    both the production and destruction of CH~3~Hg^+^ species, but
    different groups of organisms perform these functions, leading to a
    decoupling of methylation and demethylation rates in time and space.
    The microbial communities responsible for Hg methylation and
    demethylation have been identified at only a handful of sample
    sites, not the statistically significant number needed to provide
    the scientific basis necessary for successful remediation of mine
    impacted sites and for the planning and execution of river
    restoration projects in placer mine impacted watersheds on federal
    lands. The USGS has recently acquired new molecular biology tools
    (quantitative PCR and denaturing HPLC) that allow rapid assessment
    of microbial community composition and the quantity and diversity of
    genes used for key processes such CH~3~Hg^+^ destruction. Proposals
    to address the research questions outlined above are solicited; the
    use of qPCR or DHPLC is a preference but not a requirement. The
    research area described above is in support of assessment and
    remediation of mercury-impacted sites on Federal lands through two
    projects: (1) the MRP "Pathways of metal transfer from mineralized
    sources to bioreceptors" project, and (2) the Science Leadership
    Project jointly funded by BLM and BOR. Contacts: Andrea Foster, U.S.
    Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Rd., MS 901, Menlo Park, CA,
    94025; <afoster@usgs.gov>; 650-329-5437; Jim Rytuba, U.S. Geological
    Survey, 345 Middlefield Rd., MS 901, Menlo Park, CA, 94025;
    <jrytuba@usgs.gov>; 650-329-5418.

-   **Geochemical processes controlling elemental fluxes away from
    mineral deposits and their mine wastes** **-** Mineral deposits
    contain unusually high concentrations of minor elements that are
    released to the environment naturally and as a result of mining and
    ore processing. Understanding the environmental signature of mineral
    deposits and their mine wastes requires the identification of
    geochemical dispersal pathways and quantification of the
    concentrations and fluxes of elements. Proposals are solicited to
    identify the important dispersal pathways of environmentally
    significant minor and trace elements, especially metals and
    metalloids, from their host minerals through secondary minerals to
    the aqueous phase, and to quantify the concentrations of these
    elements in solutions along with their rates of uptake and release
    by the various solid-phase reservoirs. Delineation of these pathways
    will provide the fundamental quantitative information needed to
    understand baseline signatures of unmined deposits, to manage active
    mining operations, and to design remediation systems for abandoned
    mine sites. Proposals for laboratory, field, or integrated studies
    will considered, particularly those designed to yield quantitative
    rather than exclusively qualitative information. Opportunities are
    available for the collaborative use of USGS laboratory facilities
    for mineralogical characterization, geochemical characterization,
    and stable isotope analysis. Potential field studies are not
    restricted to a specific location, but the potential for field
    collaborative studies is mostly restricted to the Eastern Region.
    Contact: Bob Seal, U.S. Geological Survey, National Center, MS 954,
    Reston, VA 20192; <rseal@usgs.gov>, 703-648-6290.

-   **Influence of graphite-rich Ordovician to Precambrian metamorphic
    rocks (Nome Group) on the regional biogeochemistry of willow and
    moose in Alaska** - Sedimentary and igneous metamorphic rocks
    dominant much of the landscape over the south-central portion of the
    Seward Peninsula in western Alaska. Lithologically these rocks are
    composed of schist, quartzite, and marble and are highly variable in
    their graphite content and associated geochemistry. Soils that
    develop over these rocks can be very high in bioavailable cadmium, a
    naturally occurring toxic metal. Willows, the dominant shrub
    throughout the Seward Peninsula, bioaccumulate cadmium in both the
    leaf and stem tissue. Moose feeding on willow accumulate variable
    amounts of cadmium in their kidney tissue. The natural geochemical
    variability across the landscape (rock, soil, willow, moose) is
    largely unknown and because moose kidney (as well as liver and
    muscle) is a significant subsistence food source for the local
    population, it is important to define this natural variability. The
    University of Alaska, Fairbanks has an interest in understanding the
    extent of trace element concerns, both natural and human caused, in
    the Seward Peninsula. The Native population has also expressed
    interest in a better understanding of this complex relation. Shared
    laboratory capabilities between UAF and USGS include HPLC
    (identification of metal-bound proteins), ICP-MS (moose tissue trace
    element levels), greenhouse and growth chamber facilities, and SEM.
    This type of study supports MRP\'s goal of addressing environmental
    and public health issues as well as understanding the natural
    variability of geochemical landscape. Contact: Larry Gough, U.S.
    Geological Survey, National Center, MS 954, Reston, VA, 20192;
    <lgough@usgs.gov>; 703-648-4404. []{.mark}

-   **Laboratory experimental oxidation studies of massive sulfides from
    Prince William Sound, Alaska** **-** Proposals are solicited for
    predictive laboratory studies of oxidation of massive sulfides in
    diurnally alternating marine and fresh water conditions in the
    intertidal zone from Prince William Sound. Field expeditions in 2003
    and 2005 provided natural massive sulfide samples containing pyrite,
    pyrrhotite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite plus silicate and carbonate
    gangue minerals. These samples range from nearly pristine to
    substantially altered after nearly 100 years in the surficial
    intertidal zone. Laboratory oxidation experiments on complex natural
    samples from Prince William Sound would augment and extend MRP
    studies under the "Modeling of Near-surface Processes in Mineral
    Systems" project that has focused on field studies of oxidation and
    mine drainage problems in the intertidal zones at the Ellamar,
    Threeman, and Beatson mine sites.  In addition, such studies would
    provide a critical link between our ongoing USGS predictive
    laboratory studies of inorganic and bacterially mediated oxidation
    of pure sphalerite, chalcopyrite, and pyrite mineral separates and
    would help clarify field geochemical processes in Prince William
    Sound. Contact: Pat Shanks, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver Federal
    Center, P.O. Box 25046, MS 973, Denver, CO, 80225-0046;
    <pshanks@usgs.gov>, 303-236-2497.

-   **Rates of sulfide mineral dissolution at the mineral surface**
    **-** USGS researchers are measuring rates of sulfide dissolution in
    the field and in bulk laboratory experiments. In an attempt to
    bridge the issue of measurement scale, and to increase understanding
    of the role of mineral surface chemistry versus factors of climate
    and weathering solution, proposals are solicited to directly measure
    rates of sulfide mineral dissolution at the mineral surface.
    Proposed work should utilize techniques such as vertical scanning
    inferometry (VSI) and/or atomic force microscopy (AFM) to observe
    retreat and enlargement of surface features such as steps and etch
    pits. Contacts: Lisa Stillings, U.S. Geological Survey, Mackay
    School of Earth Sciences, MS 176, Reno, NV, 89557-0047,
    [stilling@usgs.gov]{.underline}; 775-784-5803; Pat Shanks, U.S.
    Geological Survey, Denver Federal Center, P.O. Box 25046, MS 973,
    Denver, CO, 80225-0046; <pshanks@usgs.gov>, 303-236-2497; Mark
    Stanton, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver Federal Center, P.O. Box
    25046, MS 964, Denver, CO, 80225-0046,
    <mstanton@usgs.gov>[,]{.underline} 303-236-1924**.**

# **Long-term goal 3: Ensure availability of reliable geologic, geochemical, geophysical, and mineral locality data for the United States**

-   **Arsenic geochemistry of soils in the vicinity of the Mother Lode
    Belt of gold deposits in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada,
    California** - The foothills of the Sierra Nevada in northern
    California host a major gold district; the Mother Lode Belt.
    Although this district is largely mined out, it is still the source
    of potentially toxic environmental contaminants. Specifically, the
    gold mineralization is associated with significant As content. The
    As occurred in ores as either the mineral arsenopyrite (FeAsS) or
    arsenic-bearing pyrite (Fe(As)S~2~). Natural weathering and mining
    may disperse the As away from the mine sites. The occurrence of this
    As in mine-related spoil piles and nearby stream sediments has been
    extensively studied. However, As geochemistry of spatially
    associated soil has received less attention. Regional soil
    geochemistry data from northern California obtained by the MRP
    "Geochemical Landscapes" project indicate that elevated As contents
    occur in soil samples in the vicinity of the district. Proposals are
    solicited to conduct a study of the soil geochemistry of a portion
    of the mineral belt. The research could include site-specific
    evaluations of individual mine areas, including the three
    dimensional (soil profile) and aerial distribution of As. The
    studies could also include geochemical/mineralogical evaluations of
    the residence of the As, as well as its potential for transport away
    from the site in soil particles and ground water. Of particular
    interest would be studies of geochemical and biogeochemical
    mechanisms of As transformation in the soils. Research that utilizes
    phospholipid fatty acid, DNA, and other detailed probes of the
    microbial ecosystems of impacted soils would be welcomed. Contact:
    Marty Goldhaber, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver Federal Center, P.O.
    Box 25046, MS 973, Denver, CO, 80225-0046; <mgold@usgs.gov>, (303)
    236-1521.

-   **Deposit models, ore genesis, and unique metallogenetic
    environments of Alaska** **-** Assessment of mineral potential
    within Alaska is at an early stage of development, limited in
    particular by a dearth of baseline information, and by known
    deposits that deviate substantially from published deposit models in
    character, size, grade, and genesis. We solicit proposals that
    address these limitations, identify whether the deviations from
    worldwide "norms" are significant, and clarify the genesis of
    several styles of mineralization common or unique to Alaska. These
    deposit types include: PGE lode and placer deposits related to
    Alaskan-type zoned ultramafic complexes, "Chugach-type" low sulfide
    gold deposits, Kennecott-type Cu lodes, intrusion-related gold,
    BC-AK type porphyry copper systems, volcanogenic massive sulfide
    deposits in bimodal volcanic suites, and others. Topics of
    particular interest are: (1) petrogenesis, geochronology, and
    tectonic setting of Alaskan-type zoned ultramafic complexes and the
    relationship between magma dynamics and flow rates of the intrusions
    and the metal contents, texture and mineralogy of associated sulfide
    occurrences; (2) developing appropriate grade-and-tonnage models for
    mineral deposit types unique to, or abundant in Alaska; (3) the
    relationship between the composition of felsic magmas and levels of
    emplacement in the crust, and the mineralogy and character of
    associated metallic mineralization (for example, are there direct
    analogues beneath porphyry Cu deposits of the deep level deposits,
    e.g. Ft. Knox, within the "intrusion-related gold" system); and (4)
    the genesis of magmatic sulfide deposits related to extrusion of
    Nikolai large igneous province lavas and of epigenetic deposits
    related to the subsequent burial history and thermal evolution of
    the Nikolai. Contact: Jeanine Schmidt, U.S. Geological Survey, 4200
    University Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508-4664;
    [jschmidt@usgs.gov]{.underline}; 907-786-7494.

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-   **Development of techniques in the laboratory or applications of
    laboratory capabilities to fundamental problems of ore genesis**
    **-** The MRP has a unique combination of integrated
    state-of-the-art laboratories devoted to study of fundamental
    process of ore fluids responsible for a wide range of ore deposit
    types. These include stable isotope mass spectrometry, ion
    chromatography, rare gas isotope mass spectrometry and active gas
    quadrupole mass spectrometry for study of both fluids and minerals.
    In addition, plans are underway to construct a state-of-the-art
    system for measurement of trace element compositions and gas
    chemistry of single fluid inclusions by LA-ICP-MS and quadrupole
    mass spectrometry, respectively. Each laboratory is under the
    leadership of scientists who have pioneered the development of
    techniques and their application to fundamental problems of ore
    genesis. The MRP also has numerous geologists who have built the
    time space frameworks necessary for geochemical study of a broad
    spectrum of deposit types. Proposals related to the development of
    techniques in the laboratory or applications of laboratory
    capabilities to fundamental problems of ore genesis are solicited.
    Contact: Bob Rye, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver Federal Center, Box
    25046, MS 963, Denver, CO 80225-0046, <rrye@usgs.gov>, 303-236-7907.

-   **Evolution of ore-hosting terranes in southwest Alaska** - The USGS
    is conducting geologic and ore deposit studies in the poorly known
    central part of southwest Alaska, currently concentrating in the
    Taylor Mountains quadrangle. The area contains gold and mercury
    deposits that are spatially associated with Late Cretaceous-early
    Tertiary intrusive rocks cutting older terranes. Proposals that
    address the evolution of these older ore-hosting terranes including
    the Goodnews, Togiak, Nyac, and Kilbuck are solicited. Approaches
    might include, but need not be restricted to, sedimentary petrology,
    paleontology, igneous geochemistry, and structural geology. Contact
    Marti Miller: U.S. Geological Survey, 4200 University Drive,
    Anchorage, AK, 99508; [mlmiller@usgs.gov](mailto:atill@usgs.gov);
    907-786-7437.

-   **Nature and genesis of mineralization at new mining sites in
    Alaska** **--** Proposals addressing the nature and genesis of
    mineralization at new mining sites in Alaska are solicited, where
    improved access and ephemeral exposures related to development can
    be a benefit to research. Examples include but are not limited
    to: (1) the Pogo intrusion-related gold system, (2) the Kensington
    gold vein system, (3) the Nixon Fork gold skarn, (4) the Pebble
    copper-gold porphyry system, and (4) the Kemuk iron-titanium-PGE
    system. Contact: Alison Till, U.S. Geological Survey, 4200
    University Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508; <atill@usgs.gov>;
    907-786-7444.

-   **The role of natural organic matter (NOM) in the metal mobility and
    isotopic fractionation in mineralized systems** **-** Soils and
    associated unsaturated-zone waters are often organic rich,
    especially in cold regions where organic matter decomposition is
    slow. Natural organic matter (NOM) is known to interact with trace
    elements, including As, Sb, and Hg. Many mineralized areas have
    organic rich soils, for example east central and southwest Alaska.
    Trace elements-NOM interactions can increase primary mineral
    solubility and/or alter sorption characteristics onto secondary
    minerals (i.e., iron oxide coatings). Consequently, trace
    element-NOM interactions may alter the mobility and/or toxicity of
    some trace elements in mineralized systems that are NOM rich
    relative to their mobility and toxicity in other mineralized
    systems. In addition, trace element-NOM complexes may induce
    fractionation between the isotopes of an element, for example Hg.
    Isotopes of the trace elements can be a useful fingerprinting tool,
    but fractionation dynamics must be known. Organic matter-trace
    element interactions are a function of both the trace element and
    organic matter chemistry. To fully explore these interactions, it is
    necessary to determine the chemical form of the trace element (the
    geochemical species), and the quantity and quality of the organic
    matter (degree of aromaticity and chemical composition). Proposals
    to increase understanding of metal-NOM interactions to improve our
    ability to evaluate metal mobility and bioavailability in cold
    organic-rich environments are solicited. Contact: Bronwen Wang, U.S.
    Geological Survey, 4200 University Drive, Suite 201, Anchorage, AK,
    99508-4664; [bwang@usgs.gov]{.underline}; 907-786-7110.

# 

# **Long-term goal 4: Ensure availability of long-term data sets describing mineral production and consumption**

-   **Development of a sampling methodology for the iron and steel scrap
    and pig iron canvass** - The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) sends
    canvasses monthly and annually to consumers of iron and steel scrap
    and pig iron. Because of the large number of consumers of these
    materials, it is only possible to obtain reports from a fraction of
    the universe of consumers. A sampling procedure, which has not been
    updated in the last 10 years, is used to estimate the remainder.
    There are no measurements of estimation error. The USGS is required
    by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to examine the
    feasibility of redesigning the sample for these canvasses. Proposals
    are solicited for projects that would develop a new sampling
    methodology for the Iron and Steel Scrap and Pig Iron canvasses that
    will be easy to update and will provide measurements of estimation
    error. Contact: Kenneth Beckman, U.S. Geological Survey, National
    Center, MS 988, Reston, VA, 20192; <kbeckman@usgs.gov>;
    703-648-4916.

-   **Materials flow analysis: A decomposition of U.S. apparent
    consumption of nonfuel mineral commodities** **-** Apparent
    consumption of nonfuel mineral commodities in the United States is
    considered to be the tonnage produced plus imports minus exports
    plus or minus stock changes. Underlying this simple concept may be
    both nonlinear relationships and significant uncertainties; these
    factors could be quantified by decomposition analysis. More rigorous
    nonfuel mineral commodity apparent consumption numbers would be
    advantageous for U.S. Government strategic planning agencies such as
    the Department of State, Department of Defense, and the Department
    of Homeland Security. Proposals are requested for decomposing
    changes in U.S. nonfuel mineral commodities apparent consumption.
    Decomposition analysis attributes the development of a variable by
    explanatory factors such as economic growth (or scale), economic
    structure, and substitution (or intensity). Preference will be given
    to innovative approaches that allocate material use by, for example,
    NAICS sector. This work is important for achieving the U.S.
    Geological Survey's goal of advancing the understanding of how
    nonfuel mineral commodities are acquired in a global context and
    used in the sustainable development of the national economy.
    Contact: William Dillingham, U.S. Geological Survey, National
    Center, MS 988, Reston, VA, 20192; <wdillingham@usgs.gov>;
    703-648-4911.

-   **Methodology development for research and analysis of U.S. embodied
    mineral commodity trade** **-** The United States imports and
    exports large volumes of mineral commodities contained in
    intermediate or final products. Trade statistics for most mineral
    commodities are readily available; however, trade statistics can
    underestimate the actual flows of some commodities when those
    commodities are contained in intermediate or final products. More
    information is sought where these embodied flows concern commodities
    that are of strategic or environmental interest. This work is
    integral to the U.S. Geological Survey's mission of advancing the
    understanding of the Nation's primary and secondary availability and
    use of mineral resources in a global geologic, economic, and
    environmental context. Proposals are solicited to develop
    methodologies for research and analysis of U.S. international trade
    in nonfuel mineral commodities that are embodied in products such as
    automobiles and computers. Methodology and examples of analysis
    should identify data needs and possible data sources for at least
    two important mineral commodities, with emphasis on areas where
    technological or policy innovation leverages economic or
    environmental benefits. Contact: William Dillingham, U.S. Geological
    Survey, National Center, MS 988, Reston, VA, 20192;
    <wdillingham@usgs.gov>; 703-648-4911.

-   **Service lifetimes of mineral end uses: Analyzing potential for
    increased use of secondary metals** **-** With increasing concern
    over sustainable development, end of life management of products,
    product stewardship, and design for recycling, it is important to
    have detailed information on service lifetimes of mineral end uses
    and current product disposition in order to create a benchmark for
    future analysis as well as to identify opportunities for process
    improvement. Proposals are solicited to develop a baseline of
    service lifetimes for use in the analysis of the potential for
    increased use of secondary metals in order that resources (fuel and
    nonfuel) may be conserved through recycling. Sufficient detail
    should be provided so as to estimate the recycling efficiency (metal
    recycled divided by quantity available for recycling, in percent) of
    contained metals within these products and uses on reaching their
    point of obsolescence. Estimations of lifetimes of broad categories
    of use, such as automobiles and trucks, electronic equipment, white
    goods (appliances), and bridges, covering the whole spectrum of use
    of metals, should be made. Product end use categories should conform
    as closely as possible to the North American Industry Classification
    System (NAICS). Innovative approaches to making these estimations
    are encouraged, and publication is anticipated on completion.
    Contact: Scott Sibley, U.S. Geological Survey, National Center, MS
    989, Reston, VA, 20192; [ssibley@usgs.gov]{.underline} ;
    703-648-4976.

-   **Tracking end uses of carbon and stainless steel** **-** Materials
    flow studies try to identify mineral commodity use by industry
    sector as defined by NAICS. The USGS uses that information to
    estimate material flow by end use. In the case of steel, which
    accounts for most ferrous metals use, the American Iron and Steel
    Institute reports shipments by end-use industry. More than one-half
    of the reported steel shipments go to steel service centers, where
    it is subdivided and redistributed in smaller amounts. The
    destinations, amounts, and end uses of these shipments are not
    tracked. To gain a thorough understanding of the steel industry, it
    is important to have a complete accounting of steel use. Proposals
    are solicited to determine the amount of steel shipped from steel
    service centers by the same end use industry sectors used by the
    American Iron and Steel Institute for carbon steel and stainless
    steel for a particular base year (2003 or 2004). As this information
    is not readily available from trade associations, innovative
    approaches and methodologies for making these estimations are
    encouraged, and interviews with manufacturers, distributors (service
    centers), and consumers would be expected. Critical to this study
    would be an algorithm that would allow data from the base year to be
    used to project future and historical distributions. Publication is
    anticipated on completion. Contact: Scott Sibley, U.S. Geological
    Survey, National Center, MS 989, Reston, VA, 20192;
    [ssibley@usgs.gov]{.underline} ; 703-648-4976.

**Attachment II**

**Mineral Resources Program -- FY 2006 Projects**

**Mineral Resources Program -- FY 2006 Projects**

**Table of Contents**

# **Long-term goal 1: Ensure availability of up-to-date quantitative assessments of potential for undiscovered mineral deposits**

-   Application of secular trends and continent-scale geophysics to
    mineral resource assessment

-   Central Colorado assessment

-   Complex systems analysis of basin margins in southwestern North
    America

# Hydrothermal systems, Cascades Volcanoes

# Industrial minerals -- eastern, central, and western regions

# Metallogenesis of Proterozoic basins and stratified rocks

# Metallogenic evolution of Mesoproterozoic sedimentary rocks in Idaho and Montana

# Metallogeny of the Great Basin: Crustal evolution, fluid flow, and ore deposits

# Metals in basinal brines and petroleum

# Porphyry copper life cycles

# Processes of world-class ore deposit formation

# Quantitative global mineral resource assessment

-   Remote sensing: Research and applications

-   Uncertainty and risk analysis in mineral resources

# **Long-term goal 2: Ensure availability of up-to-date geoenvironmental assessments of priority Federal lands**

-   Aqueous geochemistry research and development

-   Big Bend National Park

-   Earth materials and human health

-   Mancos Shale landscapes: Science and management of black shale
    terranes (a regional partnership project)

-   Modeling near-surface processes in mineral systems

-   Pathways of metal transfer from mineralized sources to bioreceptors

-   Process studies of contaminants associated with mineral deposits

-   Risk-based applications of geoenvironmental mineral deposit models
    in mineral exploration, mine planning, operations, closure, and
    remediation

-   Tracers of surficial processes affecting mineral deposits in humid
    environments

# 

# **Long-term goal 3: Ensure availability of reliable geologic, geochemical, geophysical, and mineral locality data for the United States**

-   Alaska Mineral Resource Assessment II (wrap-up)

-   Alaska Resource Data File

-   Federal lands in Alaska -- geologic studies

-   Geochemical landscapes/soil geochemistry

-   Mineral Resources Data System

-   National Geochemical Database

-   National Geophysical Database

-   National maps and datasets for research and land planning

# Regional fluid flow and basin modeling in northern Alaska

-   Regional geologic and mineral deposit data for Alaskan economic
    development

-   Spatial data information

# Tintina Metallogenic Province - integrated studies on geologic framework, mineral resources, and environmental signatures

# **Continuing goal: Ensure availability of scientific facilities and services required to achieve MRP goals (geochemical research and development laboratories, geophysical research and development laboratories, and project-level geographic information systems and information management)**

-   Analytical chemistry services

-   Central Region GIS and information management

-   Central Region isotopic/geochronology core operations, lab support

-   Central Region petrographic and ore microscopy labs

-   Computer and GIS support - Eastern Region

-   Geochemical and stable isotope studies of life cycle of ore deposits
    and technology transfer

-   Geophysical research and development

-   Isotope geochemistry/geochronology research and development --
    multi-user new capabilities

-   Outreach and technology exchange

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-   Radiogenic and stable isotope methods

-   Research chemistry

-   Western Region database and information analysis

-   Western Region databases and information analysis, Alaska

# 

# **Long-term goal 4: Ensure availability of long-term data sets describing mineral production and consumption**

-   Data collection and coordination

-   Statistics and methods development

-   Minerals information systems and data administration

-   Materials flow

-   Industrial minerals

-   Metals

-   International minerals

-   Minerals information publication services

**Attachment II**

**Mineral Resources Program -- FY 2006 Projects**

**Long-term goal 1: Ensure availability of up-to-date quantitative
assessments of potential for undiscovered mineral deposits**

**Application of secular trends and continent-scale geophysics to
mineral resource assessment -** Conventional assessments of undiscovered
mineral resources rely on (a) the distribution of known deposits, (b)
geologic setting, and (c) generalized geologic models for the various
deposit types. The conventional approach barely makes use of the fact
that, without exception, all types of ore deposits are time-bound. There
are times in Earth history when a particular deposit type is absent,
times when these deposits are present but scarce, times when they are
abundant, and still other times for which we yet lack sufficient data.
We propose to develop this property---\"secular variation\"--- as a tool
for resource assessment and exploration. One of the biggest problems
with analysis of secular trends is the lack of robust plate
reconstructions prior to about 300 Ma. Toward this end, continent-scale
magnetic and gravity data will be compiled and used to develop and test
reconstructions of the older supercontinents (e.g. Rodinia). Focus is on
two groups of deposits: sediment-hosted lead-zinc (MVT and sedex), and
orogenic gold.

Project end date: September 30, 2006. Contact: Dwight Bradley,
<dbradley@usgs.gov>, 4200 University Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508,
907-786-7434.

**Central Colorado assessment -** The Front Range Urban Corridor in
Colorado, one of the fastest-growing regions in the Western U.S.,
stretches about 350 km from Pueblo in the south, through Denver, north
to the Colorado-Wyoming border. The population growth has put tremendous
pressure on a variety of resources and has created many land management
issues for local, state, and federal government agencies. Future land
use planning in the area requires geoscience information that can be
obtained though studies that lie at the core of the Mineral Resource,
Energy Resource, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping, Water Resources,
and Landslides Hazards Programs and supports the process-oriented
research objectives of the USGS. These issues require new and integrated
earth science studies of (1) mineral and energy resources, (2) geologic
hazards, such as landslides and stream flooding, (3) the long-term
effects of forest fires on erosion and sedimentation, (4) the effects of
increased recreational land use, and (5) quantity and quality of both
ground- and surface-water resources. Project end date: September 30,
2007. Contact: Terry Klein <tklein@usgs.gov>, Denver Federal Center,
P.O. Box 25046, MS 905, Denver, CO, 80225-0046, 303-236-5605.

**Complex systems analysis of basin margins in southwestern North
America -**

This project uses complex systems modeling as a unifying concept to
undertake a spectrum of geoscience related problems including geologic
factors of non-point source pollution; human and animal diseases
controlled by geologic factors; genesis, life cycle, environmental, and
socio-economic factors of ore deposits; and factors controlling the
distribution of physical and chemical transport properties. The project
goals are to create a general framework for solving problems that can
include political, economic, social, and ecological factors in addition
to traditional factors from the physical sciences (e.g. temperature,
stress field, depth of burial) and to apply the framework to several
geoscience problems. We will attack several problems using complex
systems theory organized into five tasks. The tasks are: (1) models of
an ore deposit system and its interaction with surrounding economic,
social, and climatic change variables; (2) physical properties of basin
marginal zones; (3) transport of chemical species (some of which are
contaminants) in basin marginal zones; (4) predictive modeling of
diseases whose propagation factors depend strongly on geologic and
climatic variables (for example, valley fever - coccidioidomycosis) and
non-point source pollution problems (for example, selenium contamination
from shales); and (5) modeling methods for complex systems. Scientists
from Water Resources and Biological Resources Divisions will participate
in some project tasks. The tasks cover a diverse suite of subjects but
are related to each other in multiple ways. Geographically, the project
will focus on a zone around the margin of selected basins. This zone
includes some bedrock of the bounding ranges and the shallower parts of
the basin (generally, fill depth of 1 km or less). These areas are
termed basin marginal zones (basin margins for short) and include the
lithologies and structures of interest, as the central part of the
basins are generally too deep to be resolved and the cores of the ranges
are usually devoid of deposits. In most cases the important structures
geologically are those associated with the basin margin. Project end
date: September 30, 2006. Contact: Mark Gettings, <mgetting@usgs.gov>,
520 N. Park Ave., Tucson, AZ, 85719-5035, 520-670-5507.

**Hydrothermal systems, Cascades Volcanoes -** Hydrothermally altered
rocks are present in many of the Quaternary Cascades volcanoes, but with
the exception of Mt. Rainier, the distribution, composition, and origin
of hydrothermal alteration products generally are poorly known. Some of
the scientific questions to be addressed in this project include the
following: What controls the distribution and mineralogy of
hydrothermally altered rocks? What are the volumes of hydrothermally
altered rocks and why do these vary from volcano to volcano? How do
structure and lithology control hydrothermal alteration? What is the
timing and duration of the hydrothermal systems and the interaction
between volcanism and hydrothermal systems during volcanic construction
and destruction? What are the sources of the hydrothermal fluids? What
are the metal contents and metal sources of hydrothermally altered
rocks? What are the mechanisms and favorable alteration characteristics
for slope failure? Why is there apparent lack of significant mineral
deposits in the Quaternary Cascade arc, whereas mineral deposits are
abundant and significant in many parts of the Miocene-early Pliocene
arc? How do we distinguish barren versus mineralized volcanoes? Project
end date: September 30, 2006. Contact: Dave John, <djohn@usgs.gov>, MS
901, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, 650-329-5424.

**Industrial minerals: eastern, central, and western regions -**
Industrial mineral production in the United States is significant.
Seventeen of the top 25 minerals produced in the United States are
industrial minerals. Industrial mineral commodities play key roles in
infrastructure development and maintenance, agriculture, and mitigation
of environmental problems (e.g., clay used as liners in waste disposal).
The need for scientific research of industrial minerals is unmistakable
because industrial minerals will play an ever-expanding role in these
areas and because this diverse set of commodities is being used
increasingly in novel and unconventional applications (e.g., re-use of
drilling muds in reclamation efforts). In addition, many land management
agencies have increasing need for better geologic and minerals data on
industrial minerals, especially in areas adjacent to growing urban
centers. The project investigates the scientific relationships among the
geologic, economic, and environment-related characteristics of priority
industrial mineral commodities and deposit types. Specific activities
include: developing process-based life-cycle models of deposits that can
be used to characterize and assess industrial resources; geologic and
environmental studies to establish fundamental scientific attributes and
processes related to the formation and exploitation of mineral deposits;
science activities in support of other Bureau activities, and
coordination and communication between industrial minerals activities,
at regional, national, and international scales. Most of the activities
of the project address either specific geologic and (or) environmental
concerns identified by a diverse set of clients (both internal and
external) or broader subject areas identified as high priority for the
Nation. All of the work in this project has important applications for
the study of industrial minerals at both National and Regional levels.
Project end date: September 30, 2006. Contacts: **Eastern Region**: Nora
Foley, <nfoley@usgs.gov>, National Center -- MS 954, Reston, VA,
22091-0002, 703-648-6179; **Central Region**: Bill Langer,
<blanger@usgs.gov>, Denver Federal Center, P.O. Box 25046, MS 973,
Denver, CO, 80225-0046, 303-236-1249; and **Western Region**: Jim Bliss,
<jbliss@usgs.gov>, ENR Bldg, 520 N. Park Ave., #355, Tucson, AZ,
85719-5035, 520-670-5502.

**Metallogenesis of Proterozoic basins and stratified rocks -**
Sedimentary basins of Middle Proterozoic age host world-class deposits
of sedimentary exhalative Pb-Zn-Ag (e.g. eastern Australia, British
Columbia, Montana), stratabound (diagenetic) Cu-Ag (Zambia, Michigan,
Montana), banded iron formation (Michigan/Minnesota, Canada), iron-oxide
Cu-U-Au-Ag-REE (Olympic Dam, Australia), and unconformity-type uranium
(Canada, Australia). A disproportionately large share of the world's
metallic resources occur in these basinal strata. Components of
epigenetic base and precious metal in Phanerozoic rocks, and of
intrusions associated with some deposit types in Phanerozoic rocks, have
been derived from successions of Late Proterozoic strata (i.e. Vikre,
2000). The Proterozoic eon (c.2500 to 600 million years ago) encompasses
more than 40% of Earth's history, a time during which fundamental
atmospheric and oceanic changes occurred, biological diversity
increased, and modern-style plate tectonics evolved. This project aims
to improve fundamental understanding of the relationship between the
evolution of the Proterozoic basins and the generation of associated
metal deposits. A systems approach, akin to that developed in the search
for petroleum resources, has been applied to mineralizing systems (e.g.
Stanton, 1972; Hagemann and Cassidy, 2000). This approach views
mineralization as only one process in the overall evolution of a
tectonostratigraphic sequence or terrane. Restatement of fundamental
research questions posed by Skinner (1979) into factors that define a
regional-scale mineralizing system might be: (1) source(s) of driving
energy, fluids and ore components, (2) the architecture, timing, and
focusing mechanisms of fluid pathways, and (3) chemical and/or physical
processes leading to mineral precipitation at the site(s) of deposition.
This project will apply a mineral systems approach to Proterozoic
stratified rocks and associated metal deposits. Mechanisms for
sustaining the physical and chemical gradients required for fluid
movement and metal concentration, the number of generations and volumes
of mineralizing fluids, the sources of metal deposit components, and the
roles of tectonism, magmatism, and epigenesis need to be integrated in
the evolution of Proterozoic basins. Questions to be addressed include
the following: (1) How do sediment sources, environments of deposition,
and diagenetic history influence the initial residence of the deposit
components (metals, sulfur, etc.) ? (2) How do subsidence and burial,
aquifer geometries, tectonism, and thermal evolution bear on the
generation and migration of hydrothermal fluids? (3) How did global
changes in the composition of the atmosphere and oceans, and biologic
evolution affect weathering chemistry, fluid redox, thermal regimes, ,
and other important processes that pre-staged metal mineralization.
Comparison of stratified sequences of Proterozoic rocks that contain
metal deposits to those that influenced epigenetic mineralization and to
those that bear no apparent relationship to metal deposits is the
critical strategy to be used in answering these questions. Project end
date: September 30, 2007. Contact: Stephen Box, <sbox@usgs.gov>, West
904 Riverside Avenue, Spokane, WA, 99201, 509-368-3106.

**Metallogenic evolution of Mesoproterozoic sedimentary rocks in Idaho
and Montana -** The project region is mainly known as the Belt-Purcell
basin (Ross, 1963), best defined in western Montana but extending into
adjacent Idaho and British Columbia. The basin was the depocenter for as
much as 50,000 feet of mostly clastic sedimentary rocks known as the
Belt-Purcell Supergroup. Similar sedimentary rocks in adjacent
east-central Idaho, known mainly as the Lemhi Group (Ruppel, 1975), have
been correlated with the Belt for a number of years, but the actual
correlations are complex and sometimes convoluted (Winston et al.,
1999). Rocks from the Belt and Lemhi Groups maintain their stratigraphic
integrity in western Montana and east-central Idaho, respectively;
however, correlations become exceedingly tenuous across the
Idaho-Montana state line in the vicinity of Salmon, Idaho (eg. Winston
et al., 1999; Tysdal et al., 2003). Correlations have been based mainly
on reconnaissance data, are characteristically speculative, and much
debated. Only recently has an effort been made, supported mostly by the
USGS and state universities, to understand the sedimentology,
stratigraphy, paleogeography, and most recently age of deposition of the
Belt-Purcell Supergroup and Lemhi Group, in an attempt to base
correlations of the two Groups of Mesoproterozoic strata in a more
rigorous fashion. Closely tied to this new study of Mesoproterozoic
geologic framework, is an understanding of the nature of the

basement directly underlying these strata and how this basement
influenced sedimentation and mineralization. The main difficulty in
assessing the influence of the basement on metallogeny is the fact that
thick clastic sequences blanket the crystalline rocks and as such mask
most indications of the character (fabric and composition) of
crystalline basement beneath the northern Cordillera. Consequently, much
of the basement structure must be interpreted from high quality
aeromagnetic data and from geographically limited exposures in the
southwesternmost part of Montana. Project end date: September 30, 2007.
Contact: J. Michael O'Neill, <jmoneill@usgs.gov>, Denver Federal Center
-- MS 905, P.O. Box 25046, Denver, CO, 80225-0046, 303-236-1288.

**Metallogeny of the Great Basin: Crustal evolution, fluid flow, and ore
deposits -** The Great Basin currently is the world\'s second leading
gold producer, contains world-class base metal deposits, a variety of
other metallic and industrial mineral resources, as well as petroleum
and geothermal energy resources. Most gold is produced from Carlin-type
deposits, although important gold resources also are present in
porphyry, epithermal, and syngenetic environments. The Carlin trend
contains about one half of the gold (\~ 125 million ounces), is of world
wide interest, and several aspects of its origin remain enigmatic.
Carlin-type deposits typically occur in linear belts and are now thought
to be underlain by crustal structures produced by Late Proterozoic
rifting. This project addresses the following questions: How did mineral
belts in the Great Basin originate and evolve through time? What role
did the crystalline basement, terrigenous detrital sequence, carbonate
sequence, and magmas play in the genesis of ore fluids? How did older
features in these belts influence later episodes of mineralization? Were
gold and other elements recycled? Planned products include : (1)
high-quality framework information (geologic, geophysical, geochemical,
isotopic, (2) a medium in which to interpret a variety of data sets (GIS
and relational data bases), (3) geologic reconstructions for each of the
major episodes of ore formation on regional and district scales, and (4)
numerical models of fluid flow and mineral precipitation for areas and
districts of interest (e.g. Carlin trend). Project end date: September
30, 2006. Contacts: Al Hofstra, <ahofstra@usgs.gov>, Denver Federal
Center, P.O. Box 25046-0046, MS 973, Denver, CO, 80225-0046,
303-236-5530; Alan Wallace, <alan@usgs.gov>, USGS, MacKay School of
Mines, Reno, NV 89557-0047, 775-784-5789.

**Metals in basinal brines and petroleum -** The scale of fluid flow and
flux of metals in sedimentary basins can be enormous. For instance,
world class sedex Zn- Pb and Ba deposits formed by venting about 100
km^3^ of brine with 50 mt of metal into seawater. Moreover, basin brines
are responsible for concentrating the majority of the world\'s Zn and
Pb, nearly all of the barite, and a large portion of Cu resources.
Previous studies focused mainly on Zn-Pb transport in oxidized brines.
New studies, however, indicate that transport of Au, Ba, Mn, Sn, and P
in reduced brines and Ni-Mo-V-PGE-Au-P in petroleum can also produce
economic deposits at sea floor vents and seeps. Associated toxic metals
(Pb, As, Se, Hg) and nutrients (P, N, C) can pose environmental hazards
or stimulate production of biomass and form petroleum source rocks. The
multidisciplinary study is designed to improve understanding of the life
cycle of metals and nutrients in sedimentary basins as well as improve
assessments of (1) mineral and energy resources, (2) environmental
consequences of mining and oil production, and (3) their biologic and
environmental effects. The objectives of this study are to improve
understanding of the sources of metals and nutrients in sedimentary
basins, the controls on their incorporation into brine and petroleum,
their mechanisms of deposition on the sea floor, their effects on
aquatic life in the basins, and their fate in the environment during
mineral and petroleum resource exploitation. These goals will be
accomplished through the following integrated tasks: (1) studies of
ancient ore deposits, secondary minerals in oil reservoirs, and fluid
inclusions; (2) laboratory experiments on metal partitioning between
rock, oil, water, and gas; (3) chemical modeling; (4) studies of modern
basin brines, petroleum, and sea floor vents; and (5) metals, fluid
flow, petroleum, and microbes in sedimentary basins, including
investigations of modern analogs. Project end date: September 30, 2006.
Contact: Poul Emsbo, <pemsbo@usgs.gov>, Denver Federal Center, P.O. Box
25046, MS 973, Denver, CO, 80225-0046, 303-236-1113.

**Porphyry copper life cycles -** Arizona and adjacent areas of New
Mexico and Sonora account for about 10% of world copper production.
Within this copper-rich province, issues of urbanization, habitat
preservation, and mining are becoming increasingly important. Studies of
porphyry copper deposits, their regional geologic and geochemical
context, and economic and production history will have a significant
positive impact on land-use planning, mineral development, and
environmental issues. The commodity life cycle starts with the formation
of deposits, which may subsequently be eroded or mined. The cycle
continues through refining, utilization, and natural and anthropogenic
recycling. All these aspects can be viewed conceptually in terms of
identifying cycles and determining their associated fluxes (Figure 1,
available at \<http://www.geo.Arizona.edu/ cmr/PCLCPfigs.html\>). With a
few notable exceptions (e.g. Titley, 2001; Lang and Titley, 1998), past
studies of porphyry copper systems in Arizona and adjacent parts of New
Mexico and Sonora have focused on individual deposits or districts at
map and temporal scales appropriate only to the deposit in question. In
this project, we propose to work simultaneously at three principal map
scales: province, regions (clusters of mining districts), and deposits,
with an emphasis on the provincial and regional scales. The provincial
and regional components of investigation are necessary to resolve many
scientific questions and to provide the societal context. Indeed, many
of the collaborating groups (e.g., other USGS projects, Arizona
Geological Survey) fundamentally employ a regional approach. The
provincial and regional components should yield a better understanding
of the context in which the deposits occur, as well as expand the scope
of scientific and societal problems to which the project can contribute.
All cycles have implicit temporal scales. Wilson cycles and the crustal
evolution of a porphyry copper province operate on time scales of tens
of millions to billions of years, and orogenic events persist for
millions to tens of millions of years. Individual mining districts
typically have cycles of discovery, development, mining, and closure of
a few years to hundreds of years. Metallurgical processing cycles and
meteorological events that significantly affect mines operate on time
scales that range from a few hours to a few months. Hence, the choice of
appropriate time scales is as important as the choice of map scales when
approaching life cycle problems. An integrated approach that employs a
range of spatial and temporal scales is most likely to yield
breakthroughs in understanding problems of porphyry copper life cycles.
Project end date: September 30, 2006. Contact: Bob Kamilli,
<bkamilli@usgs.gov>, 520 N. Park Avenue, Tucson, #355, AZ, 85719-5035,
520-670-5576.

**Processes of world-class ore deposit formation -** A goal of the USGS
Minerals Program is to increase knowledge of world-class (\"giant\") ore
deposits. World-class ore deposits are the largest 10% of deposits as
ordered by metal content (Singer, 1995). The world-class deposits
dominate the potential supply of many metals and are, therefore, of
greatest importance (1) in an assessment of undiscovered mineral
resources, (2) to the supply of minerals in the United States, and (3)
to minerals exploration organizations. Therefore, for the USGS to better
forecast at regional, national, and global scales the likelihood of
as-yet undiscovered world-class deposits, it is necessary to understand
how these deposits formed, why they grew to such a size, and what
criteria may be used to forecast their occurrence. Although the economic
geology research community has recognized the importance of
understanding how world-class deposits form (e.g., Clark, 1995), as
summarized by Sillitoe (1997), no published studies have successfully
identified a unique set of criteria that either allow the a priori
discrimination between world-class and sub-world-class deposits or the
forecasting of the location of undiscovered world-class deposits. The
point of view and research strategy used in this project differ in
significant ways from other USGS and non-USGS investigations. Based on
results from previous USGS investigations by this research team, we
contend that ore formation cannot be understood if (1) fluid flow is not
considered as a coupled phenomenon together with thermal, mechanical,
chemical, and hydraulic processes, (2) processes at the site of ore
deposition are not considered essential to producing supersaturated
metal concentrations in hydrothermal solutions, and (3) if no comparison
is made of the structural, geometric, and thermal-chemical attributes of
world-class and sub-world-class deposits at different spatial scales.
Our experience suggests that this approach can provide the spatial and
analytical data and understanding needed to predict probable locations
of world class hydrothermal ore deposits. The principal goal of this
project is to enhance the ability of USGS scientists to forecast the
likelihood of as-yet undiscovered world-class mineral deposits at
different spatial scales, with particular emphasis on epizonal base- and
precious-metal hydrothermal deposit types typically found in
subduction-boundary zones. Of highest priority are porphyry Cu,
polymetallic veins and replacements, and epithermal Au-Ag-base metal
systems.

Project end date: September 30, 2007. Contact: Byron Berger,
<bberger@usgs.gov>, Denver Federal Center, P.O. Box 25046, MS 973,
Denver, CO, 80225-0046, 303-236-5533.

**Quantitative global mineral resource assessment -** The United States
continually faces decisions involving the supply and utilization of raw
materials, substitution of one resource for another, competing land
uses, and the environmental consequences of resource development.
Informed planning and decisions concerning sustainability and resource
development require a long-term global perspective and an integrated
approach to land-use, resource, and environmental management. This
approach requires that unbiased information be available on the global
distribution of identified and especially undiscovered mineral
resources, the economic factors influencing their development, and the
environmental consequences of their exploitation. This 8-year project
will provide essential global mineral-resource information by conducting
quantitative assessments and analysis of the world\'s undiscovered
terrestrial nonfuel mineral resources on a regional, multinational basis
with the cooperation of national geologic organizations. Additional
research will address special topics related to large-region assessment,
data analysis, and product applications. Assessments will be done for
selected commodities including copper, platinum-group metals, zinc,
lead, nickel, gold, potash, and phosphate. Assessment results will
assist the Nation to maintain the availability of essential mineral
resources from areas of Earth most able to sustain the environmental
effects of mining. Project end date: September 30, 2009. Contact: Klaus
Schulz, <kschulz@usgs.gov>, National Center -- MS 954, Reston VA
20192-0002, 703-648-6320.

**Remote sensing: Research and applications -** The Remote Sensing
Research and Applications Project is a multidisciplinary project
dedicated to developing the applications of remote sensing technology
for addressing geologic, botanic, and hydrologic issues for the USGS at
national, regional, and site-specific scales. The USGS and the Remote
Sensing Research and Applications Project must address a diverse set of
scientific problems. To reach and maintain the high scientific levels
required by USGS investigations, the Remote Sensing Research and
Applications Project must conduct basic research to provide a firm
foundation for remote sensing studies and must develop and test new
methods of applying existing and evolving remote sensing data to
changing USGS issues. Basic research, including field and the laboratory
studies, provides the scientific basis for remote sensing applications.
These studies establish the links between remote sensing data and
geochemical and geophysical data, provide the rationale for interpreting
the results of remote sensing analyses, and form the basis for designing
remote sensing applications. Developing methodologies for applying
remotely sensed data translates into finding practical solutions to USGS
earth science questions at national, regional, and local scales. These
methodologies also provide direction for the scientific community in
general, including other Federal, State, and local agencies. Integrating
the results of remote sensing analyses with other types of data is a
non-trivial task requiring broad knowledge and experience, as well as an
acute appreciation of the complex problems being addressed. However,
data integration expands the utility of remote sensing data
interpretations, and other data types as well, and provides a powerful
tool for addressing complex earth science issues for which obtaining the
best possible answers is critical to decision-making processes. Project
end date: September 30, 2007. Contact: Trude Ridley, <tking@usgs.gov>,
Denver Federal Center, P.O. Box 25046, MS 964, Denver, CO, 80225-0046,
303-236-1373.

**Uncertainty and risk analysis in mineral resources -** Quantitative
mineral resources assessments are designed to provide government and
industry decision-makers with information about undiscovered resources.
By their nature, these assessments reflect a great deal of uncertainty
and, possibly, risk. An important benefit of quantitative assessments is
that the uncertainty is stated explicitly, which allows us to identify
its sources and possibly reduce it and also risk. Among the possible
sources of uncertainty in amounts of economic resources are: number of
undiscovered deposits, possible locations of these deposits, possible
grades and tonnages of the deposits, adverse effects of cover, chances
of discovery, beneficiation opportunities, mining methods and costs,
timing of investments and production, and prices of metals. In its most
elemental form, risk can be considered the probability of failure.
Uncertainty is different than risk in that it simply indicates not
knowing the outcome (regardless of the possible loss). It is critical to
distinguish the probability of loss from the expected result-this is the
main reason for picking the probability definition rather than focusing
on possible measures of loss. Knowing the probability of loss (whether
the loss is economic or intangible) is critical to decision makers
because it specifically addresses risk. When dealing with skewed
distributions such as net present value or rate of return, the expected
result can be a large positive value such and yet there can be a
significant probability of not making any money. The project objectives
include the following: (1) Identify and quantify the major sources of
uncertainty and risk in mineral resource assessments and exploration;
(2) incorporate these factors in decision-making processes to reduce
controllable risk; (3) continue the maintenance and updating of mineral
deposit models; (4) develop advanced models and methods that can be used
to reduce uncertainties and risks; and, (5) update and document the
simulator used to combine grades, tonnages, number of deposits, and
economic filters (MARK3). Project end date: September 30, 2010. Contact:
Donald Allen Singer, [singer@usgs.gov](mailto:djohn@usgs.gov), MS 901,
345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, 650-329-5370.

**Long-term goal 2: Ensure availability of up-to-date geoenvironmental
assessments of priority Federal lands**

**Aqueous geochemistry research and development -** The Aqueous
Geochemistry Research and Development Project provides a means for
researchers to pursue potentially fertile research topics, anticipate
and develop new scientific approaches, investigate modeling
applications, and develop new or improve current methodologies in the
field of aqueous geochemistry. These research efforts will lead to
future multi-disciplinary research opportunities and the maintenance of
a state-of-the-art aqueous geochemistry research group within the
Geologic Discipline. Many projects within the USGS and the Mineral
Resources Program rely on low- temperature aqueous geochemistry as an
integral part of their study of earth processes. However, development of
new aqueous geochemistry approaches, modeling applications, or method
development can be a high-risk, long-term activity that is beyond the
scope and resources of most topical projects. The Aqueous Geochemistry
Research and Development Project affords the opportunity for researchers
to develop some of these approaches, applications, and methods, which
can then feed back into research efforts in topical projects. The
Aqueous Geochemistry Research and Development Project also maintains
Mineral Resources Program access to the powerful Geochemist\'s Workbench
suite of computer programs licensed through the University of Illinois.
The overarching theme of the integrated Environmental Geochemistry
projects is to understand, and ultimately to quantify the behavior and
distribution of environmentally significant elements as they are
dispersed from their sources through the environment. Sources of
elements in mineralized terranes include natural and anthropogenic
entities, such as ore deposits, their host rocks, mill tailings, and
mine waste. Characterization of these source materials involves
identifying the mineral phases where the toxic elements reside, the
speciation of the toxic elements (e.g., oxidation state and type of
bonding to the mineral structure), and the rates and mechanisms of
release from the mineral structure. Once released from their sources,
physical, chemical, and biological processes act to redistribute and
transform dissolved and particulate forms of the elements. Project end
date: September 30, 2006. Contact: Kathleen S. Smith, <ksmith@usgs.gov>,
Denver Federal Center- MS 973, P.O. Box 25046, Denver CO, 80225-0046,
303-236-5788.

**Big Bend National Park -** Big Bend National Park (BBNP), covers 3,236
sq km, and is the 8th largest National Park in the contiguous United
States, serving about 350,000 visitors each year. BBNP is faced with a
broad variety of geological, geochemical, and environmental issues,
ranging from water supply and ecosystem problems to a lack of a basic
understanding of the volcanic, sedimentary, and surficial geology. Thus,
the National Park Service (NPS) has ranked BBNP as 2nd nationally in
need of a new bedrock and surficial geologic map. The current geologic
map of BBNP was published in the 1960's (Maxwell and others, 1967), and
is in need of revision. NPS is funding the USGS to produce a modern,
1:100,000-scale, geological map to meet the needs of BBNP. Within the
past several years, significant parts of BBNP have been mapped, mostly
by university groups, but much of this information remains unpublished
and needs to be compiled. The USGS proposes to work in collaboration
with partners from the NPS, universities, and other agencies to provide
the surficial and bedrock of BBNP. The most important geological
problems relate to the volcanic stratigraphy and volcanogenic processes,
and this project will also focus on understanding and resolving these
questions. In addition to preparation of geologic maps, the project will
study several environmental issues that potentially affect human health
and wildlife habitats. For example, (1) located in and around BBNP are
several mineral deposits and abandoned mines containing high
concentrations of Hg, As, Se, Ag, Pb, Zn, Be, U, and F that potentially
impact the Rio Grande River and local BBNP ecosystems, (2) airborne
contaminates originating from several sources in the region may
adversely effect BBNP, and (3) potentially toxic concentrations of heavy
metals in groundwater, springs, and surface water need to be evaluated
because these are water sources for BBNP, surrounding communities, and
wildlife. In FY03, we will evaluate these issues to determine their
relative importance and the feasibility of the study of these issues.
Project end date: September 30, 2007. Contact: John Gray,
<jgray@usgs.gov>, Denver Federal Center - MS 973, P.O. Box 25046,
Denver, CO, 80225-0046, 303-236-2446.

**Earth materials and human health -** Mineral dusts generated by both
natural and anthropogenic processes have long been recognized as
potential sources of disease in humans. For example, exposures to
asbestos, silica, and some metal-rich dusts in industrial settings have
been recognized for decades as triggers for disease. Environmental
exposures to dusts and other atmospheric particulates (including
asbestos, silica, volcanic ash, volcanic gas condensates, wildfire
smoke, others) are increasingly being recognized as sources for disease.
Soils are recognized for their potential to affect human health, both as
sources for dusts and (where contaminated), as sources for toxicity via
ingestion or inhalation. Numerous unanswered questions remain about the
exact links between earth materials and disease. This project will, in
collaboration with human health experts, develop and apply a variety of
earth science methods to help interpret the geologic links between earth
materials and human health problems. The project's scientific results
will provide a sound earth science basis for more informed, effective
regulatory policies and remediation strategies. A major focus of the
project is to continue investigations into the geological,
mineralogical, and geochemical controls on the health effects of
asbestos. Examples of questions being examined include: What are the
potential health effects of dusts or soils containing soluble heavy
metals (such as those from mine waste piles, dry lake beds, etc.)? What
are the chemical and mineralogical properties that influence the health
effects of dusts generated by building collapse (such as the dusts
generated by the collapse of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001),
earthquakes, and wildfires? How do dust mineralogy and geochemistry
influence the viability of pathogens transported by the dusts once the
dusts have been taken up by the human body? Project end date: September
30, 2009. Contact: Gregory P. Meeker,
[gmeeker@usgs.gov](mailto:kdkelley@usgs.gov), Denver Federal Center,
P.O. Box 25046-0046, MS 973, Denver, CO, 303-236-1081.

**Mancos Shale landscapes: Science and management of black shale
terranes (a**

**Regional Partnership Project) -** Regions underlain by black shale,
especially in arid terrains such as that of the Mancos Shale in Colorado
and Utah, pose significant problems for land use managers. In many such
instances insufficient data exist for resource and land managers to
formulate scientifically supportable policies for (1) the sustainable
development of mineral and energy resources contained in black shale
terrains and (2) the stewardship of black shale landscapes. In general
the major geologic processes responsible for the evolution of the
landscapes and their associated resources are understood. However, there
is a lack of detailed understanding that is required to quantify the
processes or to create predictive models that can accurately take into
account changes in land use, climate, National resource need, and a
variety of other factors. Mancos Shale Landscapes of the Western United
States, especially in the Upper Colorado River Basin, have become a
focal point for the need for science information supporting sound
land-use policies. This need has risen in prominence primarily because
of (1) increased and changing demands for land use and (2) issues
related to the bioavailability of selenium and the salinity of surface-
and ground-water. Concurrently, there has been an increased awareness
within the scientific community of a need to better understand processes
leading to the concentration and dispersal of both economically
important elements and environmentally sensitive elements (ESE) in black
shale sequences. Project end date: September 30, 2007. Contact: Dick
Grauch, <rgrauch@usgs.gov>, Denver Federal Center - MS 973, P.O. Box
25046, Denver, CO 80225-0046, 303-236-5551.

**Modeling near-surface processes in mineral systems -** Whereas the
spatial extent of mineral deposits can be determined with some certainty
by exploration drilling, mining, and other methods, the extent of the
natural and anthropogenic effects of mineral deposits depends on a
number of processes and properties of the physical system. This
'footprint' of effects varies with climate, geology, composition of the
deposit, and other factors. The primary goal of this project is to
develop geoenvironmental models that can be used to forecast the extent
and characteristics of a mineral deposit's footprint, including chemical
signatures on surrounding water, soils, and biota. A focus is the
integration of empirical data for diverse deposit types, to produce
quantitative models that can be used to predict environmental mitigation
expenses and risks associated with mineral extraction. This information
is needed by Federal, State, and other land-planners. The delineation of
natural background versus the geochemical effects from mining itself has
been of particular interest to land-planners; the models developed in
this project will provide a more accurate estimate of background levels
of important chemical signatures. The objectives of this project are to
(1) develop models for the effects of selected mineral deposit types on
surrounding soils, water, and biota in differing climatic and geologic
settings, (2) forecast the levels of metals and other weathering
products to be expected before and after mining as a function of deposit
type, climate, and geology of the surrounding land surface, and (3)
evaluate the relative importance of key characteristics on the eventual
effects produced by each deposit type. Project end date: September 30,
2008. Contacts: Dennis R. Helsel, <dhelsel@usgs.gov>, Denver Federal
Center -- MS 964, P.O. Box 25046, Denver CO 80225-0046, 303-236-5340;
Karen Duttweiler Kelley, <kdkelley@usgs.gov>, Denver Federal Center --
MS 973, P.O. Box 25046, Denver CO 80225-0046, 303-236-2467.

**Pathways of metal transfer from mineralized sources to bioreceptors
-** In chronically impacted systems where total remediation of
environmental problems is not feasible, informed long-term management by
regulatory and land management agencies requires increased understanding
of the critical processes responsible for the distributions, transport,
reactivity, and fate of potentially toxic elements. The Pathways Project
is focused on advancing our understanding of specific processes that
link geoavailability (or biogeochemical mobility and accessibility) of
environmentally significant elements (for example, arsenic, selenium,
mercury, lead, zinc, cadmium) to bioavailability (or uptake by humans
and wildlife) in large-scale systems where mineralized areas pose a long
term and persistent environmental problem. Based on our evaluation of
existing environmental projects in the Western Region during FY01, we
identified major gaps in our knowledge and, thus, direct our current
efforts at several inter-related research themes: (1) speciation of
dissolved and solid phases and effects on geoavailability and
bioavailability; (2) microbial activities and transformations; (3)
processes at physical and geochemical boundaries; (4) precipitation and
transformations of metal oxyhydroxides and metal oxyhydroxysulfates and
associated interactions with toxic elements; (5) physical transport and
dispersion of trace elements; and (6) conceptual and quantitative
modeling of the distributions, transport, reactivity, and fate of
elements in mineralized ecosystems and understanding the impact of
natural and anthropogenic perturbations on physical and biogeochemical
processes that affect element distributions in these systems. Project
end date: September 30, 2007. Project Chief: Laurie S. Balistrieri,
<balistri@usgs.gov>, University of WA, USGS, 98195, 206-543-8966.

**Process studies of contaminants associated with mineral deposits -**
This project focuses on identification of processes that result in
significant environmental effects as a result of historical mining
activities. The weathering processes are the natural reaction of sulfide
minerals as they react with water and their effects on the aquatic and
eolian environments surrounding historical mining districts. Study
focused on the understanding of these processes so that cost-effective
and sensible remediation options can be developed by industry and
federal and state land-management agencies. The overarching theme is to
understand, and ultimately, to quantify the behavior and distribution of
environmentally significant elements as they are dispersed from their
sources through the environment. Sources of elements in mineralized
terranes include natural and anthropogenic entities such as ore
deposits, their host rocks, mill tailings, and mine waste.
Characterization of these source materials involves identifying the
mineral phases where the toxic elements reside, the speciation of the
toxic elements (e.g., oxidation state and type of bonding to the mineral
structure), and the rates and mechanisms of release from the mineral
structure. Once released from their sources, physical, chemical, and
biological processes act to re-distribute and transform dissolved and
particulate forms of the elements. Project end date: September 30, 2006.
Contact: Stanley E. Church, <schurch@usgs.gov>, Denver Federal Center -
MS 973, P.O. Box 25046, Denver, CO 80225-0046, 303-236-1900.

**Risk-based applications of geoenvironmental mineral deposit models in
mineral exploration, mine planning, operations, closure, and remediation
-** Environmental concerns are becoming key factors in the societal,
economic, and technical viability of proposed and ongoing mining
projects worldwide. In recognition of this, the mining industry, land
managers, environmental regulators, funding entities, indigenous groups,
and environmental activists are all voicing support for the
implementation of best environmental practices during all stages of the
mineral resource development process, from exploration through mine
closure. Many mining-environmental regulators and mining companies are
increasingly turning to risk-assessment based approaches to predicting,
mitigating, and remediating the potential environmental impacts of
mining. Risk assessments attempt to quantify the potential threats (such
amounts and compositions of acid-mine drainage waters) to environmental
receptors (such as aquatic organisms in streams affected by acid-rock
drainage) that would result from mining at a particular site, given
various levels of environmental mitigation implemented at the site, and
given the environmental conditions present in adjacent areas affected by
the site. The primary objectives of this project are to (1) enhance the
methods by which mineral deposit models are applied by a wide variety of
users to help understand, assess, predict, mitigate, and remediate
mining-related environmental issues; (2) develop ways in which the
models can be integrated as key components of mining-related
environmental risk assessments; and (3) explore ways in which the models
can integrate economic factors that would enable industry, land
managers, regulators, and other stakeholders to factor environmental
prediction, mitigation, and remediation costs into economic analyses of
mining ventures. Contact: Geoff Plumlee, <gplumlee@usgs.gov>, Denver
Federal Center, P.O. Box 25046-0046, MS 973, Denver, CO, 303-236-1204.

**Tracers of surficial processes affecting mineral deposits in humid
environments -** The objectives of this project center around
investigating geochemical processes associated with the weathering of
mineral deposits and their wastes in humid climatic settings, which are
characteristic of the eastern United States. Because much of the recent
domestic mineral production has come from arid and semiarid regions, in
states such as Arizona, eastern California, Colorado, New Mexico, and
Utah, our understanding of the environmental processes affecting mineral
deposits is more advanced in these climatic settings. Equally important,
on both a domestic and global scale, are humid environments. Humid
environments are also important from a theoretical perspective because
they represent settings where the weathering processes are not limited
by the availability of water---the universal solvent. The research will
be conducted through integrated state-of-the-art field, analytical,
experimental, and geochemical investigations. The project will emphasize
the use of variety of geochemical tracers such as stable and radiogenic
isotopes and metal ratios in various solid, liquid, and biologic media.
Field-based studies will emphasize coastal and tropical settings. Some
topical studies will focus on specific elements or compounds that have
been identified as being of particular concern from regional, national,
or global perspectives. Other topical studies will be aimed at
understanding the geochemical processes that result in natural or
human-induced attenuation of mine related metals. Experimental studies
will focus on identified deficiencies in current thermodynamic, kinetic,
and isotopic fractionation databases relevant to the project as a whole.
Project end date: September 30, 2009. Contact: Robert R. Seal,
[rseal@usgs.gov](mailto:lgough@usgs.gov), National Center, MS 954,
Reston, VA, 20192, 703-648-6290.

**Long-term goal 3: Ensure availability of reliable geologic,
geochemical, geophysical, and mineral locality data for the United
States**

**Alaska Mineral Resource Assessment II (wrap-up) -** The objectives of
this project are to fulfill the USGS mandate in ANILCA 1010 to conduct
mineral resource assessments in Alaska. The work includes collecting and
publishing new geological, geochemical, and geophysical information. The
mineral resource assessments are of great utility to land managers, and
the basic building blocks of these assessments - geological,
geochemical, and geophysical data - are of great use to a broad spectrum
of stakeholders interested in resource, environmental, and hazard
issues. Funding for this phase of AMRAP was received in FY 2005; funds
were discontinued in FY 2006 and the project is currently in a wrap-up
mode. Contact: Bruce Gamble, <bgamble@usgs.gov>, 4200 University Drive,
Anchorage, AK 99508, 907-786-7479.

**Alaska Resource Data File -** The goal of this project is to update
the Alaska Resource Data File and provide a complete, user-friendly, and
user-accessible information source on metallic and selected non-metallic
mineral occurrences in Alaska and Hawaii. In order to accomplish this,
the information in ARDF is be systematically updated by 1:250,000-scale
quadrangle, largely on a contract basis. Experts in Alaskan mineral
deposits are contracted to provide updates in regions of their
expertise. The results for these updates are systematically released in
an Adobe Acrobat PDF format on the Internet. In addition, as time
allows, the updated information is returned to the MRDS database to
ensure currency of that database. The information collected and
maintained by this project is fundamental to many types of mineral
occurrence related, land use, and or research efforts. The data in this
database is used in resource assessments, mineral deposit modeling,
mineral-environmental studies. In addition, this information is of
critical value for the mineral exploration industry and this project has
received strong support from the industry. Project end date: September
30, 2007. Contact: Frederic Wilson, <fwilson@usgs.gov>, 4200 University
Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, 907-786-7448.

**Federal lands in Alaska -- geologic studies -** Federal lands
constitute 64% of the onshore portion of the State of Alaska, and 37% of
all Federal lands, an area greater than the total landmass of
California, Oregon and Washington combined. These Federal lands are
distributed into tracts administered by the Department of Agriculture,
Department of Defense, and the Department of Interior (DOI). DOI
agencies with Federal lands oversight in Alaska include the National
Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management.
Other agencies with Federal lands jurisdiction in Alaska include the
Army, Air Force, and U.S. Forest Service. Geoscience data applicable to
managing these Federal lands, however, are woefully lacking. The
reconnaissance geologic maps and limited studies that are available for
Federal lands in Alaska, while adequate for general discussions of
regional issues, do not provide the type, scale, quality or quantity of
data needed for effective land management decision making. These
decisions, which vary from habitat designations, to hazard mitigation,
tourism to resource development, must be based on geologic data at
scales appropriate to their scope. The geoscience data that support
these decisions must include the types of information required for the
resolution of the issue (e.g. surficial materials distribution is needed
to assess habitat range; topographic profiles and geologic maps of
volcanic edifices are required to assess landslide and tsunami hazards).
Objectives are to carry out geoscientific research projects that address
issues of mineral resource concern on Federal Lands throughout Alaska,
and provide unbiased scientific data for land use planning and decision
making concerning those lands. This project will use input from the
Interagency Minerals Coordinating Committee in Alaska, Federal land
managers, Federal land user groups, and USGS scientists to develop tasks
that address minerals and geoscience issues on all types of Federal
lands. Tasks, 2 to 10 years in duration, will be prioritized based on
scientific soundness and impact, appropriateness to the USGS mission,
interest and cost sharing abilities of other Federal agencies. Project
end date: September 30, 2015. Contact: Jeanine Schmidt,
[jschmidt@usgs.gov]{.underline}; U.S. Geological Survey, 4230 University
Drive, Suite 201, Anchorage, AK, 99508-4664; 907-786-7494.

**Geochemical landscapes/soil geochemistry -** The geochemistry of the
Earth\'s surface has evolved from the underlying rocks through natural
processes such as weathering and erosion, as well as from human activity
such as industrialization, urbanization, mining, waste disposal, and
agriculture. The focus of this project is on the resulting "geochemical
landscape". Objectives are to (1) continue the ongoing characterization
of the spatial distribution of chemical elements in the surficial
materials of the nation, emphasizing soils, (2) focus on the processes
that led to the observed geochemical abundance and distribution, (3)
develop and implement new approaches to landscape characterization such
as a national microbiology database for soils, and apply geochemical
extraction techniques to establish a soil
\"geoavailability/bioavailabilty\" database. Our state of knowledge
regarding the geochemistry of soil in the United States is at an
unacceptably low level. This project is developing a long-term proposal
in cooperation with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS),
other Federal and state agencies, and academia, to develop databases and
study the processes that led to the observed geochemical landscapes.
Project end date: September 30, 2009. Contacts: David Smith,
<dsmith@usgs.gov>, Denver Federal Center - MS 973, P.O. Box 25046,
Denver, CO 80225-0046, 303-236-1849; Martin Goldhaber, <mgold@usgs.gov>,
Denver Federal Center - MS 973, P.O. Box 25046, Denver, CO 80225-0046,
303-236-1521.

**Mineral Resources Data System -** The USGS Mineral Resources Data
System (MRDS) answers the question \"Where are the known deposits and
what are their attributes?" MRDS is updated on a continuous basis and
contains information related to location, geology, commodity,
production, reserves and resources, ownership, environmental
information, and relevant references. The database is used by Federal
agencies, academia, mining and exploration companies, environmental
groups, consultants, and the general public, in addition to USGS
scientists. Project end date: September 30, 2006. Contact: Paul
Schruben, [pschrube@usgs.gov](mailto:bjohnson@usgs.gov), National
Center - MS 954, Reston, VA, 20192-0002, 703-648-6142.

**National Geochemical Database -** Over approximately the past 35
years, the chemical laboratories of the U.S. Geological Survey\'s
Geologic Division have analyzed more than 1.25 million samples of
geologic material such as soils, stream sediments, and rocks, and
continue to analyze several thousand samples annually. The database of
these analyses contains in excess of 54 million analytical
determinations and is growing daily. In addition, in 1985 the USGS
Mineral Resources Program (MRP) inherited management responsibilities
for the geochemical data of more than 500,000 stream sediment, soil, and
water samples from the Department of Energy\'s National Uranium Resource
Evaluation (NURE) Hydrogeochemical and Stream Sediment Reconnaissance
(HSSR) Program, which was conducted during the late 1970s and early
1980s. The problem addressed by this project is one of preserving all
the archival chemical data and all the newly generated data in
perpetuity in an accurate, easily accessible, user-friendly database.
This data can then be distributed both via the World Wide Web and on
CD/DVD. Project end date: September 30, 2007. Contacts: Steve Smith,
<smsmith@usgs.gov>, Denver Federal Center - MS 973, P.O. Box 25046,
Denver, CO, 80225-0046, 303-236-1192; David Smith, <dsmith@usgs.gov>,
Denver Federal Center - MS 973, P.O. Box 25046, Denver, CO, 80225-0046,
303-236-1849.

**National Geophysical Database -** The main objective of the expiring
version of this project was to archive and catalog existing geophysical
data acquired in the past by the old Branch of Geophysics and other USGS
organizations. A new focus of this version, as well as continuing many
of the previous tasks, is to update databases with newly collected data.
In the case of the magnetics database that involves accessing these
airborne surveys and merging them into the recently created compilation
publications for the states and North America. Project end date:
September 30, 2007. Contact: Bob Kucks, <rkucks@usgs.gov>, Denver
Federal Center, P.O. Box 25046, MS 964, Denver, CO, 80225-0046,
303-236-1405.

**National maps and datasets for research and land planning -** The U.S.
Geological Survey provides national leadership in maintaining earth
science data and serves as earth science advisor to the Executive Branch
of the U.S. Government. Recurring requests for information and earth
science forecasting can only be met when nationwide datasets are easily
available and of high quality. To meet these needs, four regional
projects are acquiring and upgrading regional and national geologic,
geochemical, geophysical, and mineral resource datasets, and providing
derivative and interpretive products from these data. Objectives include
integrating, analyzing, and interpreting these data to assess mineral
resources, determining regional background values for chemical elements
with known environmental impact, characterizing regional mineral
districts, defining metallogenic provinces, and studying the
relationship between toxic commodities or mining practices and human
health. These interpretive studies involve contributions from a wide
variety of disciplines and partners. Project end date: September 30,
2007. Contacts: **Eastern Region**: Suzanne Nicholson,
<swnich@usgs.gov>, National Center - MS 954, Reston VA 20192-0002,
703-648-6344; **Central Region**: Douglas Stoeser, <dstoeser@usgs.gov>,
Denver Federal Center -- MS 905, P.O Box 25046, Denver CO 80225-0046,
303-236-9817; **Western Region**: David Piper, <dzpiper@usgs.gov>, 345
Middlefield Road, MS 901, Menlo Park CA 94025, 650-329-5187; and
**Alaska**: Frederic Wilson, <fwilson@usgs.gov>, Anchorage, AK,
907-786-7448.

# **Regional fluid flow and basin modeling in northern Alaska -** The origin, timing, and flux of fluids generated from Carboniferous to Cretaceous basins in the Brooks Range have outstanding relevance to the mineral and hydrocarbon resources in northern Alaska. Fluid-transported metals that migrated through Paleozoic clastic rocks resulted in enormous mineral deposits, including the largest accumulation of zinc in the world at Red Dog. The endowment of mineral and energy resources suggests that the scale of fluid flow and flux of metals and petroleum in the sedimentary basins was vast. Incomplete knowledge of the complex sedimentary facies and geologic structures affecting the Carboniferous to Cretaceous strata in the Brooks Range is an impediment to mineral and petroleum resource assessment. To improve our understanding of the role of fluid migration and contribute to more effective assessments of resources in sedimentary basins of northern Alaska and throughout the world, MRP scientists are collecting key data and that will be used to construct quantitative models of the Carboniferous to Cretaceous basins now found in the deformed rocks of the Brooks Range. The models will result in an improved knowledge of long-term sedimentation patterns, thermal maturation, evolution of fluids generated in the basins, and the migration pathways of the fluids. This should greatly enhance prediction of the sites of mineral and petroleum accumulation, and is considered essential for mineral and energy resource assessments of northern Alaska. Project end date: September 30, 2006. Contact: Karen Duttweiler Kelley, <kdkelley@usgs.gov>, Denver Federal Center, P.O. Box 25046-0046, MS 973, Denver, CO, 303-236-2467.

**Regional geologic and mineral deposit data for Alaskan economic
development -** Much of Alaska's economy is based on the development of
natural resources. The lack of basic geologic, geochemical, and
geophysical information in many areas of Alaska means that any new data
collection has a high probability of stimulating exploration activity,
and hence economic growth. The two initial focus areas of this project
include Federal, State, and Alaska Native lands. New geologic,
geochemical, and geophysical data will be published and available for
public and private users. These new data will be combined with other
regional data in reports that assess the undiscovered mineral resources
and provide information related to deposit formation and environment.
These reports will assist in land planning for both government and
private holdings (including Alaska Native lands) and are expected to
further stimulate exploration activity and provide vital baseline data
for any future development. Further, these activities help satisfy the
requirements of Section 1010 of the Alaska National Interest Lands
Conservation Act (ANILCA), which directs the Secretary of Interior "to
assess the oil, gas, and other mineral potential of all public lands in
Alaska." Based on previous scoping efforts and current user needs, two
areas have been selected for initial study: Seward Peninsula (western
Alaska) and central southwestern Alaska. For the Seward Peninsula, basic
geologic data exist, but geophysical data recently obtained by the State
of Alaska, invites re-evaluation of base-metal resource potential in an
area previously known only for its gold resources. On a more
reconnaissance scale, the central part of southwestern Alaska is largely
a frontier in that much of what is known about the geology comes from
expeditions sixty or more years ago. In this area, collection of the
most basic geologic, geochemical, and geophysical data would open the
door to exploration, assist in land-use planning, and likely encourage
economic development. Beyond issues of economic development, research
conducted in conjunction with the basic data collection is expected to
improve our understanding of the tectonic and stratigraphic setting of
this poorly known part of Alaska. Project end date: September 30, 2008.
Contact: Marti Miller, <mlmiller@usgs.gov>, 4200 University Drive,
Anchorage, AK, 99508, (907)786-7437.

**Spatial Data Information -** The purpose of this project is to: 1)
coordinate the creation, formatting, and modeling of complete, seamless,
digital databases of geologic, lithologic, geochemical, geophysical, and
mineral deposit information on a global, national, and regional basis;
2) develop methods and tools for serving this information to all
customers, both internal and external, over the Internet in a secure
environment; 3) provide front-line technical support for MRP spatial
information; and 4) maintain communications with the rest of the USGS
and other National Surveys on activities that are related to the
electronic delivery of spatial information. The primary objective of the
project is to provide access via the Internet to the extensive spatial
information holdings of the Mineral Resources Program. To that end, the
project develops hardware and software methods and tools for serving MRP
spatial information using three different technologies that are aimed at
different classes of information users: a map-browsing interface for
casual users, web services for web-enabled GIS users, and a data
extraction and download service for stand alone GIS users. Project end
date: September 30, 2012. Contact: Bruce Johnson, <bjohnson@usgs.gov>,
National Center - MS 954, Reston, VA, 20192-0002, 703-648-6051.

# 

# **Tintina Metallogenic Province: Integrated studies on geologic framework, mineral resources, and environmental signatures** - The Tintina Gold Province (TGP) is a broad arc (200-km-wide, 1,200-km-long) extending from northern British Columbia to southwest Alaska, bound on the north and south by the Tintina-Kaltag and Denali-Fairwell fault systems, respectively. The region is experiencing active growth and development, and there is need for scientific information to support those who make decisions regarding land use, resource policy, environmental safety, and national security. Within the past four years, the region has experienced accelerated gold exploration, development, and mining activity at the Fort Knox, True North, and Pogo mines. In addition, the State of Alaska and industry are considering plans for the construction of a gas pipeline, railroad corridor, and associated infrastructure in the eastern segment of the region, and construction of a U.S. Missile Defense System began at Fort Greeley in 2002. In the southwestern extent of the province, the BLM, Native Corporations (Bering Sea, Calista, and Doyon), and industry have initiated exploration and characterization of the Aniak Mining District. In anticipation of mineral resource development, the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys has recently started work to create detailed quadrangle specific geological and geophysical maps in the eastern region. The major emphasis of this watershed-based project is the integration of regional hydrologic, geologic, geochemical, and geophysical studies. Regional framework studies include improving the understanding of the structural geology of mineralized and unmineralized terrane, metallogeny of plutonic rocks, hydrologic pathways, and volcanogenic massive sulfide and gold-depositing hydrothermal systems. Site-specific process-oriented studies are focused on topics such as water-rock geochemical processes; uptake, transport, and bioavailability of metals; and fluid sources responsible for ore-body genesis. Goals include characterizing the tectonic setting and metallogeny of the Yukon-Tanana Upland and Bonnifield VMS deposits in addition to characterizing the drainage from both developed and undeveloped mineralized areas. A focus of the project is on areas downstream from mercury-, antimony-, and arsenic-rich gold deposits. Project end date: September 30, 2006. Contact: Larry Gough, <lgough@usgs.gov>, National Center, MS 954, Reston, VA, 20192, 703/648-4404.

**Continuing goal: Ensure availability of scientific facilities and
services required to achieve MRP goals (geochemical research and
development laboratories, geophysical research and development
laboratories, and project-level geographic information systems and
information management)**

**Analytical chemistry services -** The CRMRT Analytical Chemistry
project combines and coordinates the chemistry functions that are
necessary for research and assessment projects within the Geologic
Division. Recurring efforts include maintaining equipment and methods of
anlaysis for in-house analytical chemistry work; offering a mechanism to
prepare samples; contracting routine chemical requests to an outside
laboratory; providing data quality control for both in-house and
contract generated data; providing INAA, delayed neutron, XRF, and
single element analysis. Long term efforts include continued support to
the Geologic Division by providing these services and the modification
of these analytical methods or administrative procedures to better meet
the needs of the users in the Geologic Division. Contact: Dave Detra,
<ddetra@usgs.gov>, Denver Federal Center - MS 973, P.O. Box 25046,
Denver, CO, 80225-0046, 303-236-1804.

**Central Region GIS and information management -** The most important
aspect of this project is to provide geographic information systems and
information management support to the Central Region Mineral Resources
and Crustal Imaging and Characterization Teams and to conduct
specialized GIS tasks that are not directly related to other program
projects. The project will provide basic services required by team
projects, including GIS support, GIS Laboratory development and
maintenance (software and hardware), and contracting support. Support
also includes helping staff and projects comply with \"publication
requirements for digital map products\" as defined in GD Policy
Memorandum 99-06. The project will also provide leadership for
implementing and supporting NSDI (National Spatial Data Infrastructure)
requirements, especially those related to metadata. Continuing project.
Contact: Greg Lee, <glee@usgs.gov>, Denver Federal Center - MS 973, P.O.
Box 25046, Denver, CO, 80225-0046, 303-236-2491.

**Central Region isotopic/geochronology core operations, lab support -**
Central Region Isotopic/Geochronology Core Operations Lab Support
Project provides a formal accounting and tracking method for base
funding several important isotope and geochronology laboratory
facilities that serve a broad spectrum of Geologic Discipline needs.
These funds provide the \"Keep the Lights On\" sustaining and
maintenance level of support to cover expenses not appropriate for
individual projects. This support is required to assure that the
capabilities represented by these facilities and staff are available to
achieve present and anticipated future objectives of Programs. CR
Isotopic/Geochronology Core Operations Lab Support project is necessary
to guarantee both short term maintenance of expensive laboratories, and
to provide the ability to achieve longer term (5 or more years)
important objectives. Longer term objectives include expensive repairs
or replacement of major instrumentation and investment in new
technologies required to meet Program needs. Costs are apportioned to
Programs on a \"use basis\" determined by documented historic records in
developed business plans.

Project end date: September 30, 2010. Contact: Betty Adrian,
<badrian@usgs.gov>, Denver Federal Center, P.O. Box 25046, MS 973,
Denver, CO, 80225-0046, 303-236-1806.

**CR petrographic and ore microscopy labs -** The petrographic and ore
microscopy laboratories provide technical and scientific support to MRP
team scientists and other team personnel. The labs are equipped with
trained personnel who will both assist scientists or perform analyses
for scientists. The petrographic lab provides rock crushing facilities,
rock saws, lapidary equipment, separatory equipment, X-ray diffraction
instrumentation as well as lab facilities for leaching studies, acid
mine drainage experiments and the like. The ore microscopy lab provides
a facility where scientists can perform methods and procedures commonly
used in ore microscopy, prepare polished sections, and examine and study
specimens/samples by optical and x-ray methods. Continuing project.
Contact: Betty Adrian, <badrian@usgs.gov>, Denver Federal Center, P.O.
Box 25046, MS 973, Denver, CO, 80225-0046, 303-236-1806.

**Computer and GIS support - Eastern Region --** This project provides
support for the computing and GIS infrastructure of the Eastern Mineral
Resources Team (EMRT). This support consists of: expertise, guidance,
and training for GIS production and research activities; development and
maintenance of an Eastern Region Spatial Data Library; maintenance,
upgrades, and training for hardware/software in user rooms; backup,
maintenance, and upgrades of hardware and software for EMRT file
servers; development of digital data outside the scope of an individual
project; and coordination of GIS activities in the Eastern Region.
Continuing project. Contact: Thomas Kress,
[thkress@usgs.gov](mailto:wbawiec@usgs.gov), National Center -- MS 954,
Reston VA 20192-0002, 703-648-6328.

**Geochemical and stable isotope studies of life cycle of ore deposits
and technology transfer -** Stable isotope, fluid inclusion, active gas
chemistry, noble gas isotope, and solute chemistry techniques are
exceptionally powerful tools in the study of fundamental processes
operating during the evolution of ore deposits. Some of these
techniques, particularly stable isotopes, are also powerful in the study
of the processes that occur during the entire life cycle of ore deposits
from genesis to natural destruction and post mining remediation. In this
project the full potential of each of these techniques is developed and
their combined potential applied in an integrated fashion in
multidisciplinary studies to acquire essential knowledge about
fundamental problems of the genesis of ore deposits. Furthermore, stable
isotope techniques are applied to studies of the entire life cycle of
mineral resources. This life cycle includes assessments, exploration,
genesis, natural and anthropogenic modification, ore processing,
remediation and reclamation. The specific study of fundamental problems
is closely integrated with the development of genetic and environmental
models of ore deposits currently being studied by scientists in other
MRP projects. Current fundamental problems include the role of
brittle-ductile transformations in ore genesis, the evolution of
magmatic fluids in the porphyry-epithermal environment, fluid-rock
reactions and the migrational history of deep crustal fluids, climate
and geotectonic history as an aid in the prediction and location of
concealed mineral deposits, and the weathering history of ore deposits
as an aid to understanding tectonic and climate history relevant to the
development of ore genesis and geoenvironmental models. The knowledge
gained in these studies is not specific to ore deposits and can be
applied to societally relevant issues (such as volcanic landslide
hazards, climate change, public health issues, acid mine drainage and
cyanide degradation) and to the preservation and restoration of
ecosystems. Consequently the project interfaces not only with a large
number of studies with MRP scientists but is increasingly asked to
support MRP funded or reimbursable studies by other GD, WRD and BRD
scientists. The project laboratories provide analytical support and
develop techniques to insure the availability of state-of-the-art
facilities for MRP scientists. The laboratories provide a creative
environment for the mentoring of students and scientist and for the
development of Programmatic and Venture Capital interdisciplinary and
Bureau-wide studies and play a major role in facilitating
\"seamlessness\" within the Bureau. The core maintenance of the stable
isotope and noble gas chemistry laboratories is supported under a
separate venue. Project end date: September 30, 2008. Contacts: Robert
Rye, <rrye@usgs.gov>, Denver Federal Center, P.O. Box 25046, MS 963,
Denver, CO, 80225-0046, 303-236-7907; Jackie Williams,
<jackie@usgs.gov>, Denver Federal Center, P.O. Box 25046, MS 964,
Denver, CO 80225-0046; 303-236-1203.

**Geophysical research and development --** This project supports the
development of new and existing geophysical techniques for addressing
critical geological problems. Research conducted under this project
includes development of needed geophysical methods and software,
development of new geophysical instrumentation, and applications of
geophysical techniques to frontier areas of geology. Supported
geophysical methods include potential-field methods (gravity and
magnetics), electrical methods (DC resistivity, induced polarization,
and self-potential), electromagnetic methods (magnetotellurics (MT),
ground penetrating radar (GPR), directional borehole radar, time-domain
EM, and frequency-domain EM), shallow seismic methods (reflection,
refraction, and surface-to-borehole), and gamma-ray geophysics. Project
end date: 2009. Contact: Jeffrey D.Phillips,
[jeff@usgs.gov](mailto:plamothe@usgs.gov), Denver Federal Center, P.O.
Box 25046-0046, MS 964, Denver, CO, 303-236-1206.

**Isotope geochemistry/geochronology research and development-multi-user
new**

**Capabilities -** This proposal presents the R & D component of the
Core Operations project. The isotope geochemistry/geochronology
laboratories are critical to the scientific health of Geologic
Discipline as well as Bureau Programs, are a venue for developing future
multi-disciplinary research, and with full scientific participation in
projects, is a cost effective source for projects across virtually all
GD programs. In FY03 Core Operations and Maintenance costs will be
funded by other means, and all direct programmatic work including
staffing and project specific OE is requested within approved projects.
To maintain a future looking scientific research and development effort
within Isotope and Geochronologic Geochemistry, periodic new and
continuing R/D efforts are proposed. These R & D tasks all are small
efforts, generally not of full project magnitude, require nominal
investment for potentially significant future returns to Programs,
Geologic Discipline and to the Bureau, expand our capabilities and
skills, and enable the Bureau to be responsive to new and anticipated
future opportunities with the necessary skill base and laboratory
infrastructure. Each task is targeted to one or more Program, and each
should be judged independently on funding merits or priorities. This
project is an effective vehicle by which to request Program(s) R & D
funding to develop basic capabilities and new methods or science
applications. This R & D funding is good business sense; it is necessary
to spawn new opportunities and to prepare for important objectives.
Longer term objectives include expensive repairs or replacement of major
instrumentation and investment in new technologies required to meet
Program needs. Costs are apportioned to Programs on a \"use basis\"
determined by documented historic records in developed business plans.
Project end date: September 30, 2004. Contact: Gary Landis,
<g_landis@usgs.gov>, Denver Federal Center, P.O. Box 25046, MS 963,
Denver, CO, 80225-0046, 303-236-5406.

**Outreach and technology exchange -** As part of the USGS mission to
provide the Nation with reliable scientific information, Mineral
Resources Program Outreach and Technology Exchange projects promote
outreach to our cooperators, customers, and the general public through
presentations, publications, and digital products. The three regional
Outreach and Technology Exchange projects coordinate mineral-related
outreach efforts. Each regional project focuses on: improving access to
mineral- related information, working to understand the Mineral
Resources Program customer base and its needs, looking for collaborative
opportunities for mineral-related work outside and within the USGS, and
coordinating activities with other USGS regional science and outreach
efforts. Continuing project. Contact: **Eastern Region:** Jane Jenness,
<jjenness@usgs.gov>, National Center -- MS 954, Reston, VA, 20192-0002,
703-648-6341; **Central Region:** Maria Montour <mmontour@usgs.gov>,
Denver Federal Center, P.O. Box 25046, MS 973, Denver, CO, 80225-0046,
303-236-2787; **Western Region:** David Frank, <dfrank@usgs.gov>, West
904 Riverside Avenue, Spokane, WA, 99201, 509-368-3107; **Alaska:** Jill
Schneider, 4200 University Drive, Anchorage, Alaska, 99508,
907-786-7457.

**Radiogenic and stable isotope methods -** This project is focused on
developing radiogenic and stable isotope techniques for analysis of
materials, fluids, and fluid and solid inclusions from ancient and
modern environments. This project will establish new analytical
procedures and data for the MRP, Geologic Discipline, and other
Disciplines; it will contribute to the better understanding of regional
and site-specific metal mobilization, transport, redistribution
processes, and sources of fluids for regional geologic, ore genesis,
life-cycles, and environmental applications. Funding for this project
supports the day-to-day operation of the radiogenic and stable isotope
labs. Collaborating projects fund the cost of specific work done by
these labs in support of their own activities\--they are not required to
pay for the cost of maintenance of the instruments, hardware
repairs/replacements, hardware improvements, software, general lab
maintenance, and emergency support. Continuing project. Contact: Robert
Ayuso, <rayuso@usgs.gov>, National Center -- MS 954, Reston VA
20192-0002, 703-648-6347.

**Research chemistry -** The objectives of the Research Chemistry
Project are fivefold: (1) develop new and emerging geoanalytical
techniques that the Geologic Division will need within the next 5 years,
(2) maintain geochemical analysis instrumentation, laboratories, and
techniques for use by other projects, (3) provide training and oversight
to other scientists in the use of geoanalytical hardware and software,
(4) develop new geological standard reference materials that can are
used by scientists to calibrate analytical instruments and monitor
laboratory performance, and (5) maintain a specialized in-house chemical
analysis capability for use in the characterization of new reference
materials, and for use with OFA projects on difficult-to-analyze sample
matrices that are beyond the capabilities of the contract laboratory.
The geoanalytical technologies that are currently under development
include: (1) laser-ablation ICP-MS for the determination of trace
elements in extremely small samples. This technique can be viewed as a
trace element microprobe, and it is currently being applied to the
analysis of tree rings in small diameter cores and for the analysis of
selected mineral phases in polymetallic sulfides, (2) sequential
extraction protocols that are being used to characterize the mode of
occurrence of arsenic-bearing mineral phases in soil samples from
Bangladesh and New Mexico, (3) an ultra sensitive technique for
determining As(III) and As(V) at sub-ppb levels in ground waters, (4) a
methodology for determining metal-cyanide complexes in water samples
from gold heap leach activities, and (5) a new ICP-AES protocol for
quantitatively determining sulfur species (sulfate, sulfide, pyritic
sulfur, and organically bound sulfur) in sediments and soils. Project
end date: September 30, 2009. Contact: Paul J. Lamothe,
<plamothe@usgs.gov>, Denver Federal Center, P.O. Box 25046-0046, MS 964,
Denver, CO, 303-236-1923.

**Western Region database and information analysis -** This project
provides for a Database and Information Analysis (DIA) team in each of
the four WR MRP field offices (exclusive of Alaska) and for their
coordination. The DIA staff will fulfill a continued need for
acquisition, creation, analysis, publication and archiving of digital
spatial geoscience datasets for use by MRP staff and for our other
customers (including the BLM and the USFS, who are requiring that data
be provided in an ArcGIS format). In addition, the DIA staff will assist
their MRP colleagues in performing minerals-related assessments by
utilizing the spatial analytical capabilities inherent in a geographic
information system (GIS). Coordination of GIS activities between the
field offices will reduce duplication of effort and will encourage the
creation of GIS centers of excellence. Standardization of GIS products
will ease the merging of data for regional analysis. GIS products need
to be published in a timely fashion for use by land management agencies
and the general public. Continuing project. Contact: Pamela Derkey,
<pderkey@usgs.gov>, West 904 Riverside Avenue, Spokane, WA, 99201,
509-368-3114.

# **Western Region database and information analysis, Alaska -** The Western Region Databases and Information Analysis, Alaska project provides geographic information systems (GIS) support for MRP-WR-Alaska Section. GIS support includes creating digital geoscience data sets, providing regional geoscience data sets, and assisting in spatial analyses of geoscience data. In addition, this project helps coordinate and standardize the digital mapping activities of the Alaska Section. Continuing project. Contact: Nora Shew, <nshew@usgs.gov>, 4200 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, 907-786-7445.

**Long-term goal 4: Ensure availability of long-term data sets
describing mineral production and consumption**

**Data collection and coordination -** Project objectives are to (1)
collect and provide timely, accurate minerals data in support of USGS\'s
domestic and international minerals information activities including,
but not limited to, recurring, ad hoc, and special projects; (2)
continue activities to update key mineral statistics and expand coverage
of the first edition of the Statistical Compendium (SC); (3) respond to
public inquiries and requests for minerals information under FOIA; (4)
provide for records management of USGS historical and current minerals
data; and (5) maintain and forward appropriate minerals information to
NARA. Continuing project. Contact: Michelle Simmons,
<msimmons@usgs.gov>, National Center -- MS 985, Reston VA 20192-0002,
703-648-7940.

**Statistics and methods development -** The objectives of this project
are to (1) research, evaluate, develop, and implement statistical
methods, practices, and standards; (2) evaluate and measure the quality
and timeliness of USGS minerals information products; (3) develop,
revise, control, and obtain OMB approval for 140 survey data collection
forms; (4) publish monthly measures of the economic health of the
primary metals and nonmetallic mineral products industries; (5) provide
statistical expertise and training primarily for the Minerals
Information Team (MIT). Continuing project. Contact: Ken Beckman,
<kbeckman@usgs.gov>, National Center -- MS 988, Reston, VA 20192-0002,
703-648-4916.

**Minerals information systems and data administration -** The USGS
collects and disseminates information on mineral-related economic
activities. The collection, processing, and publication of accurate,
timely, and reproducible mineral statistics require automated
information systems and communication networks. Minerals Information
Team (MIT) systems and networks include the AMIS, the Publications
Mailing System (PUBS), the Canvass Mailing System (CMS), the LAN network
as well as the Canvass Respondent Control, U.S. Import/Export, and the
Mine Injury and Employment data bases. Continuing project. Contact: Ken
Beckman, <kbeckman@usgs.gov>, National Center -- MS 988, Reston, VA
20192-0002, 703-648-4916.

**Materials flow -** The project provides information and analysis
regarding the flow of materials into and through the U.S. economy. This
information is necessary to anticipate the Nation\'s mineral-resource
needs and the effects of use in a global context. This project consists
of 8 tasks which are: 1) U.S. and world materials flows: consumption,
end-uses, and other mineral and material statistics; 2) Economic
analysis of minerals and materials; 3) Commodity flow analysis:
materials smelting and processing; 4) coordination activities and
development of minerals indicators of sustainable development; 5)
Development of exploration data disk and analysis of trends; 6)
Quick-response analytical activities; 7) Analyses of selected factors
affecting materials supply and Demand; and 8) Training of State
Department resource reporting officers. A series of outreach items in
the form of delivered and planned products have been listed with each
task. Continuing project. Contact: William Dillingham, National Center
-- MS 988, Reston, VA 20192-0002, 703-648-4911.

**Industrial minerals -** Fifty industrial mineral and mineral materials
account for just over three-quarters of the total \$42 billion nonfuel
mineral mining in the United States. These industrial minerals are
commonly classified into four main end-use categories: agricultural,
chemical, construction, and specialty industrial minerals. Through this
project, the USGS is the Federal Government\'s primary source of
information on the production, consumption, reserves and materials flow
for these minerals and materials. Mineral commodity specialists gather
information, oversee the canvassing of over 14,300 domestic mineral
operations, and maintain intelligence on foreign mineral operations. The
specialists evaluate and analyze the information on industries and
markets of these industrial minerals, and then disseminate their derived
data and findings to Government agencies, industry, and the public.
Continuing project. Contact: Lucy McCartan, National Center -- MS 983,
Reston VA 20192-0002, 703-648-6905.

**Metals -** The United States Government constantly needs reliable
information on the supply and demand of metals and their compounds,
which form an important foundation for the Nation\'s economy and
security. This USGS project is the Federal Government\'s primary source
of information on the mining and processing industries of more than 40
key metals, which accounted for \$9 billion in raw materials and more
than an estimated \$100 billion in processed metal materials added to
the U.S. economy in 2001. Since the terrorist attacks in September 2001,
information on these metals industries has become even more important
because the United States relies heavily on foreign supplies of many
metals used to support the Nation\'s industrial base and defense
structure. In response to the increasingly important need for
information on metals supply and demand, mineral commodity specialists
in this project manage USGS surveys covering hundreds of domestic metal
operations and also gather intelligence on metal supply vulnerabilities
abroad. Moreover, these specialists evaluate and forecast metals
industry trends as well as the environmental and economic impacts of
metals industry operations. Reports by the specialists are available to
all Federal Agencies, State Governments, domestic industry, and the
public. Continuing project. Contact: Scott Sibley, <ssibley@usgs.gov>,
National Center -- MS 989, Reston VA 20192-0002, 703-648-4976.

**International minerals -** The international minerals component of the
Minerals Information Team provides information essential to understand
the minerals and fuel status of the United States in reference to other
countries of the world or specific geographic or political region(s).
The objective is to collect, synthesize, analyze, and disseminate
information on production, trade, legislation, and environmental and
economic impact of the mineral industry, by country or region, with
attention to how they affect the economic, public policy, and national
security interests of the United States. This information is collected
individually for more than 170 countries. The information and data cover
the extraction, production, refining of mineral commodities and some of
their products. To complement coverage of mineral production,
information is also collected, analyzed, and disseminated on individual
country mining , environmental, investment, and other laws that affect
the mineral industries; trade, with emphasis on the interactions with
the United States; structure and ownership of the minerals industries;
types of deposits; labor force; official reserve data; and other
pertinent information. The overall strategy is to analyze and publish
useful and timely information on a yearly basis through the Minerals
Yearbook, special publications, the Internet, and other media. Staff of
the project also contribute to outside publications, answer special
requests by telephone, mail, and fax, serve on Government, industry, or
professional committees and groups to share and amplify information
collected. Continuing project. Contact: Dave Menzie, <dmenzie@usgs.gov>,
National Center -- MS 991, Reston VA 20192, 703-648-7732.

**Minerals information publication services -** This project provides
for rapid editing and formatting of the USGS minerals information
periodical series publications prepared by the Minerals Information Team
(MIT) and the production of graphics, electronic and paper publications,
and State minerals information products. A significant outcome of this
project is that diverse customer segments are provided with the
information they need in the format they prefer, within acceptable time
lines, so that these customers can make decisions regarding minerals
issues or land-use, economic, or other policies. Continuing project.
Contact: Arnold Tanner; <atanner@usgs.gov>; National Center -- MS 984,
Reston VA 20192-0002, 703-648-4758.