Missouri

Summary

Federal investments through STATEMAP, Earth MRI, and NGGDPP are strengthening Missouri’s economy, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship.

  • Over $500,000 in federal STATEMAP funds (FFY24), matched by state dollars, accelerated geologic mapping along key infrastructure corridors.
  • Earth MRI is advancing statewide geophysics (85% coverage planned), geochemistry, and mine waste studies to unlock critical minerals.
  • NGGDPP-supported databases and document scanning are directly supporting EPA and state Brownfields cleanup programs and industry explorations.

STATEMAP

  • I-70 Corridor (central Missouri): Finalized bedrock mapping to support expansion of the corridor to three lanes. Data helps:
    • Locate suitable aggregate resources.
    • Identify and mitigate geologic hazards.
    • Assess water resources and foundation stability.
  • Enhanced understanding of:
    • Pre-glacial valleys (key drinking-water sources.
    • Structure-contour surfaces (guiding oil and gas exploration).
    • Depth and orientation of carbonate aggregate resources.
  • Built stronger partnerships with industry (mining/quarry access) and academia, resulting in peer-reviewed publications.

EARTH MRI

  • Geologic Mapping: Clarifying frameworks for critical minerals, informing potential redevelopment of past/closed mines and exploration of new resources.
  • Geochemistry: Reconnaissance projects mapping elemental distribution in critical mineral-rich regions. Data supports:
    • Industry exploration and redevelopment.
    • Groundwater quality and geochemical impacts on soils.
  • Geophysics: USGS-led surveys will expand coverage to 85% of Missouri, compared with only 8,600 acres covered in the 2014 survey.
    • Upcoming hyperspectral survey of mine waste sites will identify critical mineral potential.
  • Mine Waste:
    • Ongoing geochemical sampling of mine waste sites to assess potential for critical mineral recovery and environmental risk.
    • Database of mine waste sites generated significant industry and internal interest, expanding communication and data sharing.

NGGDPP (Data Preservation)

  • Drill Hole Database: Populated with physical data from igneous rocks and ore deposits — praised by companies exploring cobalt and other critical minerals.
  • Historic Document Scanning:
    • Supports EPA and Missouri’s Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Programs.
    • Provides essential original data for hazard response and cleanup.
    • Improves efficiency, lowers costs, and strengthens interagency partnerships.

Impact for Missouri:

  • Ensures safe, cost-effective transportation expansion along I-70.
  • Advances Missouri’s role in the national critical minerals supply chain.
  • Preserves and modernizes datasets for environmental cleanup, hazard response, and industry growth.
  • Builds lasting partnerships across government, academia, and industry.