JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Geologists with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Missouri Geological Survey presented new research into critical minerals during the fifth annual Resilient Supply of Critical Minerals national workshop hosted Aug. 6-7 at the Missouri University of Science and Technology.
The Missouri Geological Survey currently has multiple projects taking place across Missouri to study potentially viable deposits of critical minerals. The two-day workshop brought hundreds of geologists, engineers, academics and members of industry to Rolla for networking, information sharing, and a chance to collaborate on research and development of critical minerals and materials.
“MoDNR understands the importance of critical minerals to Missouri’s economy and national security,” said Kurt Schaefer, director of the Department of Natural Resources. “We support responsible production of these minerals. As host to 30 of the 50 critical minerals identified by the U.S. Geological Survey, Missouri is uniquely positioned to be a leader in developing domestic critical mineral supply chains.”
Critical minerals are essential for modern devices and making crucial technological systems function, but their availability is susceptible to supply chain disruptions. Missouri’s potentially viable deposits of critical minerals may provide a vital domestic resource and create new opportunities for mineral processing and manufacturing in the United States.
“The Missouri Geological Survey is working with federal, industry and academic partners, such as Missouri S&T, to investigate and understand critical mineral distribution in Missouri and determine potential areas for critical mineral development,” said State Geologist and Missouri Geological Survey Director Carey Bridges. “Strong partnerships that support geologic mapping, geochemistry and geophysical projects are key to building our understanding and knowledge of the occurrence and location of these minerals. Missouri Geological Survey projects that improve discovery, preservation and access to physical and digital geologic information are assisting these efforts.”
Missouri Geological Survey geologists shared insights from some of their newest efforts to study potentially viable critical mineral deposits in Missouri.
Survey geologist Cheryl Seeger is helping lead the critical mineral studies for the Missouri Geological Survey and was among the speakers at the workshop’s field trip. “This is an exciting time for us, and we are working hard to complete multiple studies,” said Seeger. “One thing I want to emphasize is the geologic data we’re gathering for these critical mineral studies also will be useful for local developments in these study areas, conservation projects and a multitude of other uses. It’s not all just tied to one subject.”
The Missouri Geological Survey hosted a tour of its Rolla campus during the workshop field trip. Stops included the newly renovated rock lab, which processes testing of well cuttings from across the state to safeguard Missouri’s water quality, and the McCracken Core Library and Research Center, a repository of more than 8 million feet of subsurface geological materials. Showcased at both locations were new rock core scanners purchased in partnership with Missouri S&T. This equipment will be used in the coming years to broaden the study of critical minerals in Missouri to prospective sites deep underground.
“Missouri has become a leader in the national conversation about critical minerals,” Bridges said. “These core scanners and additional investments, along with our collaboration with Missouri S&T and other partners, provide a firm foundation on which to build our efforts. The methods and systems we’re innovating together are making Missouri stand out on critical minerals and may make a big difference in safeguarding our supply chains and building up our national security as we head into the future.”
Visit dnr.mo.gov/land-geology/geology/rocks-minerals-fossils/critical for more information on critical minerals in Missouri.