# Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (15.073)

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/programs/15-073-earth-mapping-resources-initiative/  
Publisher: Well Told Grants. Data: USAspending.gov and Grants.gov, updated November 7, 2026.

Earth Mapping Resources Initiative is run by Department of the Interior. From fiscal 2021 to 2025 it awarded $39.0 million in 125 grants, about $311,747 per award.

## Objectives

The primary purpose of the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative is to facilitate new geological and geochemical mapping activities, new geophysical data collection (and obtain associated datasets), and new mine waste research and data gathering/acquisition as part of a larger initiative to collect geophysical, geologic, and topographic data in areas of critical mineral potential across the Nation. This effort supports Executive Order 13817 ("A Federal Strategy to Ensure Secure and Reliable Supplies of Critical Minerals"). In order to respond to this Executive Order, the US Geological Survey (USGS) established this initiative to support advanced mapping of the geologic resources of the Nation - with the USGS designated as the lead Federal agency for geologic map data. Additionally, as of FY2022, Earth MRI is now authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (PL 117-58, signed on 11/15/21) - directing the USGS to accelerate efforts to carry out fundamental integrated topographic, geologic, geochemical, and geophysical mapping activities – as well as mine waste research and data gathering - all focused on the assessment of critical minerals. This advanced geologic mapping and airborne geophysics has the potential to significantly close the gap in the essential data needed to enhance economic development and technological innovation, while advancing our understanding of the fundamental ways that geology informs public policy and every aspect of daily life.

## Funding by fiscal year

| Year | Amount | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $0 | 0 |
| 2022 | $1.6 million | 5 |
| 2023 | $18.5 million | 46 |
| 2024 | $15.7 million | 49 |
| 2025 | $3.1 million | 25 |

## Largest recipients

| Recipient | State | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Department of Natural Resources | Alaska | $11.1 million |
| New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology | New Mexico | $2.6 million |
| University of Illinois | Illinois | $2.5 million |
| Missouri Department of Natural R | Missouri | $1.8 million |
| Montana Technological University | Montana | $1.6 million |
| Regents of the University of Idaho | Idaho | $1.6 million |
| Board of Regents of Nevada System of Higher Education | Nevada | $1.4 million |
| University of Arizona | Arizona | $1.4 million |
| University of Kansas Center for Research Inc | Kansas | $1.3 million |
| Department of Geology and Mineral Industries | Oregon | $1.1 million |
| North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality | North Carolina | $1.0 million |
| The University of Kentucky Research Foundation | Kentucky | $1.0 million |
| Utah Geological Survey | Utah | $990,423 |
| Western Michigan University | Michigan | $986,481 |
| University of Oklahoma | Oklahoma | $985,796 |
| Department of Conservation & Natural Resources Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | $886,429 |
| Washington State Department of Natural Resources | Washington | $878,987 |
| Natural Resources South Carolina Department | South Carolina | $638,000 |
| New York State Education Department | New York | $625,014 |
| University of Texas at Austin | Texas | $585,700 |