Category: Earth & Environment

The USGS releases Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, the first and most authoritative source for mineral production, trade and consumption data

RESTON, Va. — The U.S. Geological Survey released its assessment of undiscovered gas and oil in the Woodford and Barnett shales in the Permian Basin, assessing that there are technically recoverable resources of 28.3 trillion cubic feet of gas – enough to supply the United States for 10 months at the current rate of consumption –…

RESTON, Va. — The U.S. Geological Survey released its assessment of potential for undiscovered gas and oil in the Haynesville Formation underlying the onshore Gulf of America and adjoining state waters, assessing that there are technically recoverable resources of 47.9 trillion cubic feet of gas and 152 million barrels of oil.  

RESTON, Va. — The U.S. Geological Survey released its assessment of potential for undiscovered gas in the Mesaverde Group and Lance Formation in the Southwestern Wyoming Geologic Province, assessing that there are technically recoverable resources of 4.7 trillion cubic feet of gas. 

RESTON, Va. — The U.S. Geological Survey released its assessment of potential for undiscovered oil and gas in formations under the Santa Maria Basin geologic province under Santa Barbara County and part of San Luis Obispo County, California, assessing that there are technically recoverable resources of 67 million barrels of oil and 56 billion cubic feet…

Editor’s note: Posted November 14 following the end of the lapse in appropriations. The Department of the Interior, through the U.S. Geological Survey, published the final 2025 List of Critical Minerals November 6, outlining 60 minerals vital to the U.S. economy and national security that face potential risks from disrupted supply chains.  

RESTON, Va. — The U.S. Geological Survey has awarded nearly $3 million in cooperative agreements to state geological surveys to study critical minerals in the materials left over from mining at active and legacy sites. 

In a significant advancement for geoscience, the U.S. Geological Survey has released the most detailed national-scale geologic map of the country to date, offering a unique regional view of geology at and beneath the Earth’s surface.

The Department of the Interior, through the U.S. Geological Survey, has released the draft 2025 List of Critical Minerals and a report that outlines a new model for assessing how potential supply chain disruptions could affect the U.S. economy. 

Critical minerals power the technology behind smartphones, computers and even fighter planes. The interactive Critical Minerals Atlas shows where these critical minerals are produced around the world. To explore, click on a country to see how many critical minerals it produces, its share of global production and how each mineral is used.

RESTON, Va. — The U.S. Geological Survey released its assessment of potential for undiscovered oil and gas in the Phosphoria Total Petroleum system in southwest Wyoming and northwest Colorado, assessing that there are technically recoverable resources of 666 billion cubic feet of gas and 3 million barrels of oil.  

For outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and adventurers, maps are more than just a tool – they are a gateway to exploration. The U.S. Geological Survey has released an innovative new series of topographic maps with a user-friendly design tailored specifically for recreational users, enhancing the outdoor experience.