Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) Mine Waste Cooperative Agreements FY2025

Background
The Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) is a program under the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) aimed at modernizing geological mapping and identifying areas with potential mineral resources. The initiative focuses on mine waste activities, providing funding to State geological surveys for inventory and characterization of mine waste, which is crucial for environmental health and resource management. The goal of this grant opportunity is to support ongoing Earth MRI efforts by facilitating data compilation, acquisition, sampling, and mapping related to mine waste.

Grant Details
The grant supports three main priorities:

1) National Mine Waste Inventory - States can request up to $50,000 to compile geospatial data on mine waste materials in their state using an ArcGIS geodatabase. This includes documenting locations, geology, and resources of mine waste features.

2) Mine Waste Characterization - States may request up to $300,000 for field-based characterization of mine waste sites that may contain critical mineral resources. This includes collecting geochemical and mineralogical data following USGS protocols.

3) Earth MRI Workshop - States can apply for travel funds (up to $6,000 total) for two participants to attend the annual Earth MRI workshop in October 2025. All proposals must address at least one of these priorities and include a clear justification for the proposed activities.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants are State geological surveys only. A university may submit a proposal on behalf of a State geological survey if organized under a state university system. Proposals from State geological surveys that are overdue on deliverables or progress reports from previous Earth MRI-funded agreements will not be considered.

Period of Performance
The project period is expected to last up to 24 months, starting after USGS receives its FY2025 BIL funding or July 15, 2025, whichever is later. All deliverables are due within 90 days following the end of the agreement performance period.

Grant Value
Approximately $5 million is available for allocation through this competitive proposal process. The expected number of awards is 14, with individual award amounts ranging from a minimum of $3,000 to a maximum of $356,000.

Place of Performance
The grant activities will be performed in various U.S. states as determined by the participating State geological surveys.