Airborne Geophysical Survey in Nevada Adapted from Information by the U.S. Geological Survey The Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology has partnered with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), which invested over $1 million for an airborne geophysical survey, to map critical mineral resources in western and central Nevada. Modernizing our understanding of the nation’s geologic framework will help secure a sustainable supply of critical minerals for clean energy technologies. The geophysical survey will generate detailed images of the subsurface, expanding our understanding of the complex geologic processes shaping Nevada’s unique landscape. These flights are part of an ongoing project that started in 2022. The area being surveyed has the potential for lithium resources in brines and evaporation-based mineral systems, as well as significant amounts of copper, molybdenum, and gold in rock formations. “[The] new geophysical data will give us an unprecedented regional view of the geologic structure of western and central Nevada, helping us understand the conditions that lead to the formation of critical mineral deposits, such as lithium, as well as improving our understanding of groundwater and geothermal resources,” said USGS Research Geophysicist Lyndsay Ball, one of the lead scientists for the project. Airborne geophysical surveys gather valuable data to help resource managers understand potential natural resources and groundwater, as well as alerting decision makers to possible geologic hazards like seismic faults. The airborne survey will include the collection of electromagnetic and magnetic data. Electromagnetic data imaging reveals resistivity layers, which reflect variability in rocks, sediments, groundwater, and temperature up to 1000 feet underground. The use of magnetic data can be utilized to identify ancient faults, volcanic rocks, and other geological features by imaging the deepest rocks. The new geophysical data will be processed to create detailed models of the shallow subsurface, up to 2000 feet deep. “These new geophysical surveys will provide crucial data for understanding the geologic framework and natural resources of much of Nevada. This includes groundwater, critical mineral, and geothermal resources. A direct application of [the] data will be in facilitating exploration for lithium and geothermal resources, both of which are crucial to transitioning to a more carbon-neutral energy grid,” said James Faulds, director of the Nevada Bureau of mines and Geology. “[This] data will also help us understand the location of subsurface faults, some of which may pose a seismic risk for the region. This is a great investment of federal funds in the future of this region, and we applaud the USGS in leading this effort. We look forward to further collaboration on this project.” Through the USGS, the Infrastructure Law provides $320 million over a period of five years for the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative, which focuses on advancing scientific innovation and mapping vital minerals essential to the country’s supply chains, economy, and national defense. The use of models allows for a better comprehension of the structure and salinity of groundwater aquifers, as well as the potential for geothermal energy and critical minerals. Photo by Brett Robinson, Xcalibur Multiphysics. GEO For more information call: (270) 786-3010 or visit us online: www.geothermalsupply.com All New! Atlantis-Pro Vault • Traffic-Rated Capable • Simple installation • Trouble-free operation 2024 Booth 1907 29 JULY 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDk4Mzk=