Economic Geology Program

MBMG’s Economic Geology program supports metallic mining, and conducts studies to generate interest in future exploration for new mineral deposits. Future exploration by the mining industry focuses on deep-seated mineral resources related to past producing mining districts. Small miners and junior mining companies search for overlooked resources in these districts. Exploration for deep-seated mineral resources and the search for overlooked mineral resources require the generation of new data sets using advanced exploration methods. To aid in these efforts, MBMG geologists conduct detailed studies on historic mining districts that update understanding of mineral resource genesis. These studies generate new isotope geochemistry, fluid inclusion, trace element geochemistry, and mineralogical data useful for future exploration programs. New publications synthesize recently acquired data and information from past investigations to assess the exploration potential of historic mining districts.