Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) Mine Waste Cooperative Agreements FY2025
State geological surveys can apply for Earth MRI funds to study and map mine waste, and attend a workshop, with $5M available until Sept 2025.
Funder: Geological Survey
Due Dates: May 14, 2025 (Applications) | July 15, 2025 (Earliest start) | September 30, 2025 (Latest start)
Funding Amounts: Total program: $5,000,000 | Typical award: up to $356,000 (max), $3,000 (min) | Up to $50,000 (Inventory), $300,000 (Characterization), $6,000 (Workshop travel) | Analytical support up to $70,000 per project (in addition to project cap)
Summary: Supports state geological surveys to inventory and characterize mine waste for critical minerals, with optional funding for travel to the Earth MRI workshop.
Key Information: Only state geological surveys (or their university-based equivalents) are eligible; proposals must address at least one of three priorities; no cost share required.
Description
This opportunity, offered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Mineral Resources Program under the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI), funds state geological surveys to conduct activities related to mine waste inventory, characterization, and participation in the annual Earth MRI workshop. The program aims to build a comprehensive national database of mine waste sites, assess their potential for critical mineral resources, and support remediation and resource recovery efforts. Funding is available for three independent priorities:
- Priority 1: National Mine Waste Inventory (compiling geospatial and resource data)
- Priority 2: Mine Waste Characterization (field-based sampling and analysis)
- Priority 3: Travel to the annual Earth MRI workshop
All deliverables and data products are intended for public release and integration into national datasets.
