North Carolina

Summary

Through STATEMAP and Earth MRI, the North Carolina Geological Survey (NCGS) is producing geologic maps and datasets that directly support critical mineral exploration, groundwater protection, hazard mitigation, and energy innovation.

STATEMAP

  • Critical Minerals:
    • Supported exploration geologists in the Spruce Pine mining district seeking new reserves of high-purity quartz, essential for semiconductors, fiber optics, and solar cells.
    • Assisted Iluka Resources Ltd. in identifying areas for heavy mineral sands exploration in the Coastal Plain.
  • Dimension Stone:
    • Identified millions of dollars of dimension stone resources in McDowell County.
  • Groundwater Quality:
    • Wake County staff used STATEMAP maps to flag an unrecognized pegmatite zone for radionuclide testing.
    • Water tests revealed gross alpha radiation of 850 pCi/L and radon levels exceeding 500,000 pCi/L, leading to treatment planning for public health protection.
  • Energy & Industry Case Study:
    • Detailed maps of the Deep River Triassic Basin were used to evaluate porosity, permeability, and rock mechanics for a low-temperature geothermal feasibility project.
    • Maps also inform a historically diverse industrial corridor with coal mining, brick manufacturing, a decommissioned power plant, an active nuclear facility, and a new EV production site.
  • Long-Term Water Planning:
    • Wake County is using NCGS maps in a multi-year groundwater study with USGS to inform a 50-year water supply plans.
    • Data helps identify wells vulnerable to drought and supports sustainable water use planning.
  • Hazard Mitigation:
    • Joint NCGS–USGS geologic map of the Moffitt Hill quadrangle guided a 1,000-acre private development on the Blue Ridge escarpment.
    • Helped mitigate debris flow and rockfall hazards to roads and identify areas of slope instability.
  • Superfund Site Remediation:
    • Private contractors used STATEMAP-funded maps to develop a hydrogeologic conceptual site model for an EPA Superfund site.
    • Orientation data for foliations and joint patterns improved understanding of groundwater contaminant migration pathways.

EARTH MRI

  • Tungsten Queen Mine (Vance County):
    • Characterized mine tailings and ore materials through modern coring and geochemical sampling.
    • Multiple exploration companies and consultants have expressed interest in accessing this data, citing the federal emphasis on critical minerals.
    • Publications based on this work are expected in Fall 2025, with potential to inform mine reopening decisions.

Impact for North Carolina:

  • Strengthens U.S. supply chains by identifying and characterizing critical minerals.
  • Protects public health through mapping that informs groundwater contamination testing and treatment.
  • Provides actionable data for hazard mitigation, infrastructure development, and industrial site planning.
  • Supports energy innovation by evaluating geothermal potential in industrial corridors.
  • Preserves legacy mine data and converts it into actionable intelligence for modern exploration and investment.