Rare Earth Element Occurrences in the United States

Metadata also available as - [Questions & Answers] - [Parseable text] - [XML]

Metadata:

Identification_Information:
Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Jesse D Bellora
Originator: Meredith H Burger
Originator: Bradley S Van Gosen
Originator: Keith R Long
Originator: Thomas R Carroll
Originator: German Schmeda
Originator: Stuart A Giles
Publication_Date: 20190618
Title: Rare Earth Element Occurrences in the United States
Edition: 4.0
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Vector Digital Data Set
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Denver, CO
Publisher: USGS ScienceBase
Other_Citation_Details:
Suggested citation: Bellora, J.D., Burger, M.H., Van Gosen, B.S., Long, K.R., Carroll, T.R., Schmeda, Germán, and Giles, S.A., 2019, Rare Earth Element Occurrences in the United States (ver. 4.0, June 2019): U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/F7FN15D1.
Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.5066/F7FN15D1
Description:
Abstract:
Version 4.0 of this data release provides descriptions of more than 200 mineral districts, mines, and mineral occurrences (deposits, prospects, and showings) within the United States that are reported to contain substantial enrichments of the rare earth elements (REEs). These mineral occurrences include mined deposits, exploration prospects, and other occurrences with notable concentrations of the REEs. The inclusion of a particular mineral occurrence in this database is not meant to imply that it has economic potential. Rather, these occurrences were included to capture the distribution and characteristics of the known, reported REEs deposits in the United States, which are diverse in their geology and resource potential.

Concentrated, mineable deposits of the REEs are rare, such that most of the sites within this data release are for unmined locations where the published information may not contain thorough descriptions (Van Gosen and others, 2014). Therefore, decisions had to be made by the authors regarding the addition or exclusion of specific REE occurrences in the dataset, based principally on the available descriptions of the REE concentrations and the apparent size of the mineralized body. The level of detail of this type of information varied widely amongst the occurrences, ranging from general descriptions to detailed sampling and analysis of some deposits.

The entries and descriptions in the database were derived from published papers, reports, data, and internet documents representing a variety of sources, including geologic and exploration studies described in State, Federal, and industry reports. Although an attempt was made to capture as many examples as possible, this dataset is a progress report that is part of an ongoing effort. The authors welcome additional published information in order to continually update and refine this dataset.

In addition to the conventional resources described in this report, every year approximately 56,000 metric tons of REEs are mined, beneficiated, and put into solution, but not recovered, by operations associated with the global phosphate fertilizer industry (Emsbo and others, 2015, 2016). As indicated by Emsbo and others (2015, 2016), recovery of byproduct REEs from the phosphate industry has the potential to substantially increase the supply of REEs to the market.

The significant increases in applications and demands for REEs has led to an increased interest in identifying new sources that include extraction not only from mineral deposits, but also the potential for REE extraction from coal-based resources, and recycling of products containing REEs. The Department of Energy is currently (2019) evaluating technologies to recover REEs and other critical minerals from coal and coal-based resources (https://www.netl.doe.gov/coal/rare-earth-elements). Recycling efforts have focused on recovering REEs from light bulbs and electronics. The dataset provided in this data release is restricted to non-fuel, REE-bearing mineral deposits and does not include energy resources (such as coal).

Van Gosen, B.S., Verplanck, P.L., Long, K.R., Gambogi, Joseph, and Seal, R.R., II, 2014, The rare-earth elements—Vital to modern technologies and lifestyles: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2014–3078, 4 p., https://dx.doi.org/10.3133/fs20143078.

Emsbo, Poul, McLaughlin, P.I., Breit, G.N., du Bray, E.A., and Koenig, A.E., 2015, Rare earth elements in sedimentary phosphate deposits—Solution to the global REE crisis?: Gondwana Research, v. 27, p. 776–785, accessed March 13, 2019, at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2014.10.008.

Emsbo, Poul, McLaughlin, P.I., du Bray, E.A., Anderson, E.D., Vandenbroucke, T.R.A., and Zielinski, 2016, Rare earth elements in sedimentary phosphorite deposits—A global assessment, chap. 5 of Verplanck, P.L, and Hitzman, M.W., eds., Rare earth and critical elements in ore deposits: Reviews in Economic Geology, v. 18, p. 101–114, accessed March 13, 2019, at https://www.segweb.org/store/detail.aspx?id=EDOCREV18.
Purpose:
This dataset is part of an ongoing effort by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to understand the attributes and geologic distribution of critical mineral resources, both globally, and in particular, in the United States. As described in USGS Professional Paper 1802, the United States continues to become more dependent on imports to meet the domestic demands for an increasing number of mineral commodities (Schulz and others, 2017). Many mineral commodities are now produced primarily or entirely outside of the United States, creating the potential for supply interruptions in the foreseeable future, or in the long term. These important but highly dependent mineral commodities are deemed critical and (or) strategic resources.

The rare earth elements (REEs) represent a prime example of a “critical mineral resource”. In the 21st century, the REEs have gained visibility due to: (1) the recognition of the essential, specialized properties that REEs contribute to modern technology, as well as (2) China's dominance in production and supply of the REEs, and (3) international dependence on China for the majority of the world's REE supply. Since the late 1990s, China has provided 85–95 percent of the world’s REEs, while the United States and other nations are highly dependent on REEs for their use in high technology devices, clean energy components, and defense technologies.

This dataset was compiled to provide base layers of information that identify and describe the known REE deposits, prospects, and showings in the United States. This compilation is intended to contribute to our geologic understanding of REE deposits in the United States, and to assist in evaluating their resource potential.

Schulz, K.J., DeYoung, J.H., Jr., Seal, R.R., II, and Bradley, D.C., eds., 2017, Critical mineral resources of the United States—Economic and environmental geology and prospects for future supply: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1802, 797 p., http://doi.org/10.3133/pp1802.
Supplemental_Information:
The Esri ArcGIS 10.6 geodatabase contains 1 point and 2 polygon feature classes, 8 attribute tables, and 15 relationship classes. Relationship classes link tables using the Ftr_ID or Site_ID fields. Feature classes are also provided as Esri shapefiles; attribute tables are provided as Excel and comma-separated values (CSV) files. The description of each database layer (feature class) and attribute table is provided below, followed by general information about concepts and terms used in the development of the database.

DATABASE LAYERS AND TABLES

The Loc_Pt feature class contains point locations of mines, mineral occurrences (which includes deposits, prospects, and showings), and mineral regions, and the attribute information describing the location, source report, scale of the map used to obtain the location, and if the location has a polygonal footprint in the Loc_Poly feature class. In the database, all features have a point location, except for surface workings.

The Loc_Poly feature class contains footprints or polygons of areas, deposits, mineral districts, mining districts, placer districts, and prospects. If a source report shows a location as a polygon, the polygon is digitized, and the approximate centroid of the polygon is added to the Loc_Pt layer. Attribute information about the location is provided in the Loc_Pt layer. Mines are represented as points in the database, even when footprints are presented in source reports. Where possible, the approximate extent of the mining operation area, determined from imagery, is presented in the surface workings layer (see Loc_Poly_Sw).

The Loc_Poly_Sw feature class contains the approximate area of mining-related activity, or “surface workings” as shown on Esri imagery. These polygonal outlines have no corresponding point location in the database, nor do they have links to other tables. The attribute information for surface workings contains the date of the imagery and basic location information including state and county names. Surface workings must be at least 1,000 feet (300 meters) in one dimension to be digitized, and multiple workings that are 500 feet (150 meters) or less apart are combined into one outline. No attempt is made to distinguish between the types of surface workings (for example, roads, pits, leach pads, waste piles, etc.), even when presented in source reports.

The Site table is used to identify related features, such as a deposit and the mine(s) operating on it, or a mine and its related deposits. Each site has a unique identification value in the Site_ID field. The Site_ID is used in all tables except the References table. The Site table also indicates where information about a site occurs within the database. For example, if the Resources field in the Site table contains the value “Yes”, resource information is available in the Resources table.

The GeolMinOcc table contains information about the geology of mineral deposits, prospects, and showings. Every attempt is made to compile information as reported in the source report. For example, if one source report states the valuable material as "thorite and monazite" and another reports "cenosite", the attribute field Value_Mat will contain all values. The value in the Ref_ID field is the primary source report for the record, for example, Jackson and Christiansen (1993). All information in the record comes from the primary source report unless an attribute field value contains a footnote denoted as a number in parentheses. If a record value is followed by a footnote, the Ref_ID is given in the Remarks field. Full citations for source reports are provided in the References table.

The Resources table contains reported resource and reserve information for mineral deposits. Initial (or earliest resource data found by authors) and current resource data were compiled, even if information from intervening years was reported. Resource values were recorded as shown in source reports, including year reported, resource amount, units, and classification system(s). The definition of terms (for example, inferred, proven, probable, etc.) used in various resource classification systems may change through time. Resources extracted from older sources might not be compliant with current rules and guidelines in minerals industry standards such as National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) or the Joint Ore Reserves Committee Code (JORC Code). Inclusion of material in the database is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. If resources or reserves are reported for a group of features rather than an individual deposit, the Ftr_ID will show “-1111” and the resource or reserve is assigned to the “site” or Site_ID that groups those deposits in the Site table. A value ending with “111” as a decimal trailer indicates the value was calculated by USGS authors. For example, if a grade is calculated by USGS authors to be 0.05 percent, the value recorded in the database will be 0.05111. Where a range in values is provided for attribute fields such as Mat_Amnt, Grade Contained, etc., the average of the range is reported within the field and the range of values is noted within the Remarks field. For consistency, resource values are converted to the International System of Units (SI units) by the USGS authors. When gold and silver values are reported in ounces in the source report, troy ounces were assumed when converting to SI units.

The Production table contains published production data for mines. Production is listed by commodity and reported as shown in the source reports. If production is reported annually, production is totaled by the USGS authors for the time period defined by the Year_From and Year_To values. If production is reported for a group of features, the Ftr_ID will show “-1111” and the production is assigned to the “site” or Site_ID that groups those mines in the Site table. A value ending with “111” as a decimal trailer indicates the value was calculated by USGS authors. For example, if a grade is calculated by USGS authors to be 0.05 percent, the value recorded in the database will be 0.05111. Where a range in values are provided for attribute fields such as Mat_Amnt, Grade Contained, etc., the average of the range is reported within the field and the range of values are noted within the Remarks field. For consistency, production values are converted to the International System of Units (SI units) by the USGS authors. When gold and silver values are reported in ounces in the source report, troy ounces were assumed when converting to SI units.

The History table contains information derived from publicly available sources regarding the status of a mine, prospect, deposit, or mineral region through time. Values in the Status field indicate a condition or phase for the time period stated in the Year_From and Year_To fields. This information may not reflect the current status of a feature. For example, if the attribute record shows the status of a mine is “Active” and the Year_From and Year_To dates are 1963 and 2001 respectively, the mine was active from 1963 to 2001; it is unknown if the mine is still active. The Last_Updt field shows the date that the record was last updated by the authors.

The Dep_Model table contains mineral deposit model and geoenvironmental model classifications for a deposit. When deposit model classifications could not be determined from published sources, the deposit model was assigned based on available geologic information and denoted as “USGS Authors (2018)” in the DpMD_RefID field.

The Descr_Sum table contains relevant descriptions found in source reports. These descriptions are attributed according to the type of description, such as Geology, Resource, Production, History, etc. Descriptions pertain to individual features or to larger sites. The authors do not paraphrase or combine descriptions, therefore, when a database feature is described in multiple reports, the feature will have multiple entries.

The References table contains the citation of the map or report(s) from which the point, polygon, or attribute information was obtained. The table also assigns a short reference Ref_ID which is used throughout the database.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Mines are a man-made feature associated with the process of extracting, processing, or concentrating ore materials. In this database, mines have a point location, and where possible, the polygon boundary showing the extent of surface workings identified from imagery. No attempt is made to distinguish specific mine features like pits, dumps, tailings, etc. within the surface workings outline.

Mineral occurrences, defined as a concentration of a mineral considered potentially valuable, are attributed as deposits, prospects, and showings in the database. Mineral deposits have defined size and grade indicated by current and (or) past production, and (or) a resource estimate. Prospects have sufficient data to describe at least two dimensions and the presence of useful or valuable minerals or materials. Showings have the occurrence of potentially valuable minerals as indicated by geological examination or analyses of samples.

Mineral regions are attributed as “areas”, mineral districts, mining districts, or placer districts. Areas have similar geology and deposit types. Mineral districts are areas, usually designated by name, defined by a group of deposits of similar type, origin, and/or commodity. Mining districts represent historic administrative areas organized by miners under the mining laws of the United States. Mining districts are typically an area containing a group of mines that exploited the same or related commodity. Placer districts are areas of placer mining operations. Placer district polygons were defined by the USGS authors. Mineral region polygons may overlap.

The locations of mines, mineral occurrences, and mineral regions are commonly represented as points in source maps and reports, and occasionally as footprints (polygon outlines). In this database, all features have a point location, and some have an additional polygonal footprint. Surface workings in the Loc_Poly_Sw feature class are the exception -- they do not have a corresponding point location or attribute information in the point layer. Otherwise, for points that have polygonal boundaries, the point attribute field Loc_Poly contains the value “Yes” and type of boundary is described in the field Poly_Def (for example, “Trace of placer districts” or “Outline of Indicated and Inferred Resource”).

Each point and polygon feature is uniquely identified by a Ftr_ID. The Site_ID is used to indicate groups of related features, or “sites”. Tables are linked (related) using the Ftr_ID or the Site_ID fields. Some tables have more than one record describing a feature. For example, a point denoting a mine location may have many records in the Production table summarizing the dates and amounts of material produced. The database is designed to allow the user to navigate from the point or polygon layers to the linked table information or from the tables to the point and polygon layers.

All database information is derived from publicly available sources. The Last_Updt field shows the date that the record information was last updated by the authors. Full citations are listed in the References table, and each citation is assigned a short citation, REF_ID that is used for identification in the database. With the exception of the Loc_Poly feature class, the primary reference(s) is noted in the Ref_ID field. Additional references are enumerated after attribute field values, and the corresponding short reference is in the Remarks field. For example, the Commodity field shows “rare earth elements; iron (1)”. This indicates the commodity “rare earth elements” was derived from the primary reference denoted in the Ref_ID field as “McKeown and Klemic (1956)” and “iron” was derived from a secondary reference denoted in the Remarks field as “(1) Jackson and Christiansen (1993)”.

There is no relevance to the order of data presented in lists. For example, if the Commodity field shows “rare earth elements; thorium; uranium”, that is the order in which those commodities were compiled by the authors and does not represent the order of importance. Additionally, in the GeolMinOcc table, lists in different fields do not relate. For example, if the Commodity field shows “rare earth elements; thorium; uranium”, the Value_Mat field may list related ore minerals in a different order. Similarly, the data lists reflect the order in which the information was compiled. Listed fields are present in the Site, Loc_Pt, and GeolMinOcc tables.

Field or attribute records that contain "Null" values in the file geodatabase, were checked for available data, and no data were found. In some cases, an entire field may contain no information. These "Null" fields are maintained in the database structure for consistency with related USGS products and for possible future use if information becomes available.

Two points may occupy the same location. This occurs when there is a deposit with a mine, and the location of either the mine or the deposit is unknown. For example, a report provides a map showing the location of a deposit. The report also provides production data for underground “Mine X” that is mining the deposit, but does not provide the location of “Mine X”. In this case, a second point representing “Mine X” is placed at the point location of the deposit.

Polygon features may overlap. Viewing polygons as outlines without color fills will show where polygon overlap occurs.

In the attribute section of this metadata, attribute fields from all tables and feature classes are listed in alphabetic order; corresponding feature classes and tables are listed in parentheses after the field name in the ‘Attribute_Label’. For example, “Mat_Amnt (Production, Resources)” indicates the attribute field Mat_Amnt (material amount) occurs in the Production table and in the Resources table.
Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Range_of_Dates/Times:
Beginning_Date: 1889
Ending_Date: 2018
Currentness_Reference: publication date
Status:
Progress: Complete
Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: None planned
Spatial_Domain:
Bounding_Coordinates:
West_Bounding_Coordinate: -162.91886276
East_Bounding_Coordinate: -73.452801511
North_Bounding_Coordinate: 69.529824019
South_Bounding_Coordinate: 27.638399615
Keywords:
Theme:
Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: ISO 19115 Topic Category
Theme_Keyword: geoscientificInformation
Theme_Keyword: location
Theme_Keyword: economy
Theme:
Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: Alexandria Digital Library Feature Type Thesaurus
Theme_Keyword: mineral deposit areas
Theme_Keyword: mine sites
Theme:
Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: USGS Thesaurus
Theme_Keyword: mineral deposits
Theme_Keyword: mineral resources
Theme_Keyword: economic geology
Theme_Keyword: geospatial datasets
Theme_Keyword: natural resource exploration
Theme_Keyword: geographic information systems
Theme_Keyword: rare earth elements
Theme_Keyword: lanthanum
Theme_Keyword: cerium
Theme_Keyword: praseodymium
Theme_Keyword: neodymium
Theme_Keyword: samarium
Theme_Keyword: europium
Theme_Keyword: gadolinium
Theme_Keyword: terbium
Theme_Keyword: dysprosium
Theme_Keyword: holmium
Theme_Keyword: erbium
Theme_Keyword: thulium
Theme_Keyword: ytterbium
Theme_Keyword: lutetium
Theme_Keyword: yttrium
Theme:
Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Theme_Keyword: Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
Theme_Keyword: GGGSC
Theme_Keyword: Mineral Resources Program
Theme_Keyword: MRP
Theme_Keyword: U.S. Geological Survey
Theme_Keyword: USGS
Theme_Keyword: USGS Mineral Deposit Database
Theme_Keyword: Bureau of Land Management
Theme_Keyword: BLM
Theme_Keyword: critical mineral
Theme_Keyword: mineral deposit type
Theme_Keyword: mineral commodity
Theme_Keyword: mineral occurrence
Theme_Keyword: mine
Theme_Keyword: open pit mine
Theme_Keyword: underground workings
Theme_Keyword: surface workings
Place:
Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)
Place_Keyword: Alaska
Place_Keyword: Arkansas
Place_Keyword: Arizona
Place_Keyword: California
Place_Keyword: Colorado
Place_Keyword: Florida
Place_Keyword: Georgia
Place_Keyword: Idaho
Place_Keyword: Illinois
Place_Keyword: Missouri
Place_Keyword: Montana
Place_Keyword: Nebraska
Place_Keyword: Nevada
Place_Keyword: New Jersey
Place_Keyword: New Mexico
Place_Keyword: New York
Place_Keyword: North Carolina
Place_Keyword: South Carolina
Place_Keyword: Tennessee
Place_Keyword: Texas
Place_Keyword: Virginia
Place_Keyword: Wyoming
Place:
Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: Common geographic areas
Place_Keyword: United States
Access_Constraints: None. Please see 'Distribution Info' for details.
Use_Constraints:
There is no guarantee concerning the accuracy of the data. Any user who modifies the data is obligated to describe the types of modifications they perform. Data have been checked to ensure accuracy. If any errors are detected, please notify the originating office. The U.S. Geological Survey strongly recommends that careful attention be paid to the metadata file associated with these data. Acknowledgment of the U.S. Geological Survey would be appreciated in products derived from these data. User specifically agrees not to misrepresent the data, nor to imply that changes made were approved or endorsed by the U.S. Geological Survey. Please refer to https://www2.usgs.gov/laws/privacy.html for the USGS disclaimer.
Point_of_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Person_Primary:
Contact_Person: Bradley S Van Gosen
Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Region
Contact_Position: Research Geologist
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: mailing address
Address: PO Box 25046, Mail Stop 973
City: Lakewood
State_or_Province: CO
Postal_Code: 80225
Country: United States
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 303-236-1566
Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 303-236-1425
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: bvangose@usgs.gov
Data_Set_Credit:
The data sets were developed by the U.S. Geological Survey Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center (GGGSC) with support from the Bureau of Land Management Solid Minerals Program. Database reviews and contributions were made by USGS personnel Nick Karl and USGS student contractor Tyler Reyes.
Native_Data_Set_Environment:
Environment as of Metadata Creation: Microsoft [Unknown] Version 6.2 (Build 9200); Esri ArcGIS 10.6.0 (Build 8321) Service Pack N/A (Build N/A)
Data_Quality_Information:
Attribute_Accuracy:
Attribute_Accuracy_Report:
Unique values in attribute fields were checked through frequency analyses. The unique values in each attribute field were reviewed and checked for spelling, consistency of terms, accuracy, adherence to established vocabularies, and completeness. Values calculated by USGS authors were reviewed and verified. Further information regarding calculations can be obtained from the USGS authors. Floating-point numerical values may be reported to 8 decimal places. Default settings in the ArcGIS geodatabase, which typically show 6 decimal places, may be formatted to show the full numerical value. The full data value of the record is provided in the Remarks field.

When converting from an ArcGIS file geodatabase attribute table to Excel, precision of numeric values may change. The values from the ArcGIS file geodatabase are accurate and should be used for any calculations or analyses.
Logical_Consistency_Report:
The locations of mine features, mineral occurrences (which includes deposits, prospects, and showings), and mineral regions are represented as points, and some of these point locations have corresponding “footprints” or polygonal outlines. The polygonal footprint may represent the approximate outline of a mineral occurrence or mineral region. The exceptions are areas disturbed by mining-related activity, or surface workings, which are derived from imagery rather than published reports. Surface working outlines have no corresponding point location, nor do they have links to other tables.

Polygonal outlines, except for surface workings, may overlap. Overlapping surface workings are merged into a single outline. Surface workings do not distinguish different types of mine features, such as pits, tailings piles, dumps, etc.

Two points may occupy the same location. This occurs when there is a deposit with a mine, and the location of either the mine or the deposit is unknown. For example, a report provides a map showing the central location of a deposit. The report also provides production data for underground “Mine X” that is mining the deposit but does not provide the location of “Mine X”. In this case, a second point representing “Mine X” is placed at the point location of the deposit.
Completeness_Report:
Mine feature, mineral occurrence, and mineral region geospatial and attribute data were compiled for the United States. Data were limited to publicly available sources that span the time period from 1889 to 2018. Common literature sources include government and private industry annual reports, NI 43-101 reports, journal articles, company websites, and USGS publications. To more completely populate the Production and Resources tables, select values were calculated by USGS authors and are indicated by “111” as a decimal trailer.
Positional_Accuracy:
Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy:
Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Report:
Locations of features were compiled from published coordinates and by digitizing from georeferenced raster images of maps or imagery. The locational accuracy of features is dependent on the accuracy of the source maps, which generally ranged in map scale from 1:10,000 to 1:1,000,000. The scale of the source maps was recorded as “Large” for 1:24,000 scale or larger, “Medium” for maps scales between 1:24,000 and 250,000; and “Small” for scales smaller than 1:250,000.
Vertical_Positional_Accuracy:
Vertical_Positional_Accuracy_Report: Vertical accuracy in the data set is not applicable.
Lineage:
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum
Publication_Date: 2014
Title:
CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Other
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: CIM Website
Publisher: Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum
Online_Linkage: http://web.cim.org/standards/MenuPage.cfm?sections=177&menu=178
Type_of_Source_Media: Digital and/or Hardcopy Resources
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 2014
Source_Currentness_Reference: publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation: CIM (2014)
Source_Contribution:
Reference used by the authors to develop standardized vocabularies for the database and attribute tables. The use of this reference is denoted as CIM (2014) in this metadata.
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: American Geological Institute
Publication_Date: 1997
Title:
Dictionary of Mining, Mineral, and Related Terms, Second Edition
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Publication (Book)
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Virginia
Publisher: American Geological Institute
Type_of_Source_Media: Digital and/or Hardcopy Resources
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 1997
Source_Currentness_Reference: publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation: AGI (1997)
Source_Contribution:
Reference used by the authors to develop standardized vocabularies for the database and attribute tables. The use of this reference is denoted as AGI (1997) in this metadata.
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: American Geological Institute
Publication_Date: 2011
Title: Glossary of Geology, Fifth Edition, Revised
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Publication (Book)
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Virginia
Publisher: American Geological Institute
Type_of_Source_Media: Digital and/or Hardcopy Resources
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 2011
Source_Currentness_Reference: publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation: AGI (2011)
Source_Contribution:
Reference used by the authors to develop standardized vocabularies for the database and attribute tables. The use of this reference is denoted as AGI (2011) in this metadata.
Process_Step:
Process_Description:
A literature search of publicly available mineral resource information was conducted for rare earth element occurrences in the United States. Priority was given to identifying existing databases or compilations with high quality locations and data attributes that could be utilized directly in a geographic information system (GIS). The literature search identified sources of data on active mines, mineral occurrences, mineral regions, and resource and production data. Relevant information was acquired, reviewed for quality and geospatial information, and prioritized for digital data capture.

Mines described in published reports were captured as point locations and attributed to show mining activity in the History table and mine production in the Production table. Where possible, the approximate extent of the mining operation area was captured from imagery and presented in the surface workings layer (see Loc_Poly_Sw). Surface workings were digitized if the ground disturbance was at least 1,000 feet in one dimension. The outlines of adjacent surface workings were merged if they were within 500 feet of one another.

Mineral occurrences, defined as a concentration of a mineral considered potentially valuable, were compiled and attributed as deposits, prospects, and showings. Mineral deposits have defined size and grade indicated by current and (or) past production, and (or) a resource estimate; prospects have sufficient data to describe at least two dimensions and the presence of useful or valuable minerals or materials; showings have a surface occurrence of a potentially valuable mineral as indicated by geological examination or analyses of samples. Mineral occurrences were represented as points and also as polygons if the aerial extent or “footprint” of a prospect or deposit was available. Each polygon was attributed to describe the reported boundary type, such as the extent of the estimated resource, the grade limit or grade-thickness, or the limit of mineralization. The footprints of mineral deposits and prospects overlapped in some areas.

Mineral regions were digitized as shown in the source reports, and thus may be represented as points or polygons. Mineral regions are attributed as areas, mineral districts, mining districts, or placer districts. Areas have similar geology and deposit types. Mineral districts are areas, usually designated by name, defined by a group of deposits of similar type, origin, and/or commodity. Mining districts represent historic administrative areas organized by miners under the mining laws of the United States. Mining districts are typically an area containing a group of mines that exploited the same or related commodity. Placer districts are areas of placer mining operations. Placer district polygons were defined by the USGS authors. Mineral region polygons may overlap.

All data were spatially integrated using ArcGIS. All attribute data were compiled from publicly available sources published between 1889 and 2017. Standardized vocabularies were developed by USGS authors and include definitions from CIM (2014), AGI (1997), and AGI (2011). Data were checked throughout the compilation process for accuracy of locations; and completeness, accuracy, and consistency of attributes.
Process_Date: 2018
Process_Step:
Process_Description:
Version 2.0: The data for the state of Alaska used in the Version 1.0 release was derived from the USGS Alaska Data Resource File (ARDF) (https://ardf.wr.usgs.gov/index.php). After release of Version 1.0, USGS Alaska personnel notified the authors that only the following ARDF occurrences should be included in the database: Ross-Adams mine, Cheri, Geiger, Geoduck Zone, I and L Zone, Ross-Adams, Sunday Lake Zone, Upper Cheri, Dotson Zone, Wennie, Unnamed (north shore, Stone Rock Bay), Unnamed (near Mallard Bay), I-L- and M, Little Jim and Little Joe, Boots, Shore, Eudialyte.

The authors also included the following Alaska deposits because they contain substantial enrichments of REEs: Dora Bay, No Name Creek, Ray River, Unnamed (near Salmon Bay).

All other Alaska features were removed from the Version 2.0 database. This included the spatial features (points, polygons) as well as all information in the attribute tables.

Data from states other than Alaska remain unchanged between Version 1.0 and Version 2.0.
Process_Date: 20180313
Process_Step:
Process_Description:
Version 3.0 of the database includes modifications to the syntax of several field values, changes to the data structure, the addition of new records, flagging values calculated by the USGS authors, and the correction of minor errors. These changes are described below.

The syntax of the field Ftr_Name was expanded to include the site name. The new syntax is "Site Name, Feature Name", for example, “Bokan Mountain, Ross-Adams Mine”.

The syntax of the field "Material" in the Resources and Production tables was expanded to include the material and the known chemical formula. For example, the material uranium oxide is now presented as "uranium oxide (U3O8)".

Previously resource and reserve classifications (e.g. inferred, measured, indicated) were aggregated in the field "Rsrc_Class". Resource classifications are now compiled as reported. For example, if a resource is reported as “measured plus indicated” and “inferred”, the values are entered as two attribute records rather than one.

Fieldnames in the Resources and Production tables were changed from "Contain_SI" and "ContUnitSI" to "CntSIComAm" and "CntSIComUt" respectively. The field "CntSICom" was added.

For sites that contained commodities in addition to rare earth elements, records were added to the Resource table as appropriate. For example, Bokan Mountain, AK now has records such as niobium oxide and zirconium dioxide in addition to rare-earth oxide.

To better differentiate calculated versus reported values, an ending decimal trailer of "111" was added to all values calculated by USGS authors. Furthermore, in the Resource and Production tables, USGS authors attempt to provide the contained amount of the commodity which are typically estimated from material amount and grade.
Process_Date: 20190322
Process_Step:
Process_Description:
Version 4.0 of the database includes modifications to the “Contained” and the “Mat_Amnt” fields of the Resources table.

Changes that were made were done for ObjectID 257, Pea Ridge resource record for rare-earth oxide (REO).

These changes include: Mat_Amnt changed from 5,000,000.111 to 600,000, Contained changed from 600,000.111 to 72,000.111, Mat_AmntSI changed from 5,000,000.111 to 600,000, and CntSIComAm changed from 600,000.111 to 72,000.111.

Reason for the changes was because the value entered for “Contained” was actually the “Mat_Amnt” so there was a misinterpretation of the text from the original data source.
Process_Date: 20190618
Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:
Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method: Vector
Point_and_Vector_Object_Information:
SDTS_Terms_Description:
SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type: Entity point
Point_and_Vector_Object_Count: 267
Spatial_Reference_Information:
Horizontal_Coordinate_System_Definition:
Geographic:
Latitude_Resolution: 0.000000001
Longitude_Resolution: 0.000000001
Geographic_Coordinate_Units: Decimal degrees
Geodetic_Model:
Horizontal_Datum_Name: D_WGS_1984
Ellipsoid_Name: WGS_1984
Semi-major_Axis: 6378137.0
Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio: 298.257223563
Entity_and_Attribute_Information:
Detailed_Description:
Entity_Type:
Entity_Type_Label: Attribute Fields
Entity_Type_Definition:
Fields containing attribute information associated with the data set. Attribute fields occur in data layer(s) noted in parentheses.
Entity_Type_Definition_Source: Producer defined
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Alteration (GeolMinOcc)
Attribute_Definition:
Alteration associated with the mineralization in the mineral occurrence.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
Values may include albitization, hydrothermal, silicification, etc.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Approx_Lat (Site)
Attribute_Definition:
Approximate latitude (WGS84) of the approximate center of the site area.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Range_Domain:
Range_Domain_Minimum: 27.6359
Range_Domain_Maximum: 69.53
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: decimal degrees
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Approx_Lon (Site)
Attribute_Definition:
Approximate longitude (WGS84) of the approximate center of the site area.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Range_Domain:
Range_Domain_Minimum: -162.92
Range_Domain_Maximum: -73.4529
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: decimal degrees
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Assoc_Dep (Production)
Attribute_Definition: Deposit(s) associated with the production.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain: Ftr_ID(s) for deposits from which production occurred.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Assoc_Mat (GeolMinOcc)
Attribute_Definition: Associated materials occurring with the valuable material(s).
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
A list of materials that occur with the valuable materials, but are not considered ore or valuable. Same as gangue for metallic mineral deposits.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: CntSICom (Production, Resources)
Attribute_Definition:
Contained commodity reported by the source, converted to its elemental form where appropriate
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
Commodity in elemental form that is contained within the valuable material(s). If the commodity occurs as a compound, USGS authors convert the compound to its elemental form. For example, if the material is reported by the source document as zircon (ZrSiO4), elemental Zr is calculated and reported by USGS Authors. The quantity of CntSICom is reported in the CntSIComAm field, and the associated units are reported in the CntSIComUt field.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: CntSIComAm (Production, Resources)
Attribute_Definition:
Contained commodity amount reported by the source, converted to the International System of Units (SI units). The minimum and maximum values listed below are from the field in the Resource table. The values in this field for the Production table range from 0.00022 – 15,700,000. Contained Commodity Amount units vary by commodity and deposit, and are listed in the field CntSIComUt.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Range_Domain:
Range_Domain_Minimum: 0.35
Range_Domain_Maximum: 154,000,000
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: See CntSIComUt.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: CntSIComUt (Production, Resources)
Attribute_Definition:
Contained commodity amount unit reported by the source, converted to the International System of Units (SI units), metric tons. These units apply to values listed in the field CntSIComAm.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain: metric tons
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: COG_SI (Production, Resources)
Attribute_Definition:
Cut-off grade (CutOffGrad) reported by the source, converted to International System of Units (SI). The minimum and maximum values are for resources; no cut-off grade information was available for production values. Cut-off grade units vary by commodity and deposit, and are listed in the field COU_SI.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Range_Domain:
Range_Domain_Minimum: 0.4
Range_Domain_Maximum: 1,000
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: See COU_SI.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Commodity (GeolMinOcc, Loc_Pt, Site)
Attribute_Definition: Commodity(s) present or associated with the feature.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
Commodity(s) reported for a mine, mineral occurrence, mineral region, or estimated resource and production.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Cont_Units (Production, Resources)
Attribute_Definition: The units of weight reported for the contained commodity.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain: Values may include kilograms, metric tons, pounds, etc.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Contained (Production, Resources)
Attribute_Definition:
The amount of contained commodity present in the ore. The minimum and maximum values listed below are from the Resource table. The values for this field in the Production table range from 1 – 44,400,000 with variable units.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Range_Domain:
Range_Domain_Minimum: 0.352
Range_Domain_Maximum: 5,660,000,000
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: See Cont_Units.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: COU_SI (Production, Resources)
Attribute_Definition:
Reported resource or production cutoff grade units (CutOffUnit) converted to International System of Units (SI).
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
Values include: dollars per metric ton NSR (net smelter return), parts per million ThO2, percent TREO, etc.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: County (Loc_Pt, Loc_Poly_Sw)
Attribute_Definition: U.S. county name.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
Name of the county where the feature is located. If the mine, mineral occurrence, or mineral region occurs in multiple counties, all county names are listed, separated by semicolons.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: CutOffGrad (Production, Resources)
Attribute_Definition:
Reported resource or production cutoff grade. The minimum and maximum values listed below are for resources, no cut-off grade information was available for production values.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Range_Domain:
Range_Domain_Minimum: 0.4
Range_Domain_Maximum: 1,000
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: See CutOffUnit.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: CutOffUnit (Production, Resources)
Attribute_Definition: Reported resource or production cutoff grade units.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
Values include: dollars per tonne NSR (net smelter return), grams per tonne, percent TREO, etc.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Dep_Model (Site)
Attribute_Definition:
Indicates whether the deposit(s) on the site has been classified in the Dep_Model table.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
A "Yes" or "No" value indicating which corresponding tables contain attribute information related to the site.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Descr (Descr_Sum)
Attribute_Definition:
Provides a brief description of a feature identified by the Ftr_ID or Site_ID.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain: Description reported by the source reference.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Descr_Sum (Site)
Attribute_Definition:
Indicates whether descriptions have been captured for the site in the Descr_Sum table.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
A "Yes" or "No" value indicating which corresponding tables contain attribute information related to the site.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Descr_Type (Descr_Sum)
Attribute_Definition: Indicates the topic of the description.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
Values include Exploration, Geology, History, Production, Resources, and Site.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: DpMd_NoNm (Dep_Model)
Attribute_Definition: Deposit model number and (or) name.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain: The deposit model classification assigned to a deposit.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: DpMd_RefID (Dep_Model)
Attribute_Definition: The deposit model classification reference.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
The short reference of the source report that provides geologic descriptions that help classify the mineral deposit model.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Ftr_Group (Loc_Pt)
Attribute_Definition:
A group to which a feature belongs, such as mine feature, mineral occurrence, or mineral region.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Mine Feature
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
A man-made entity associated with the process of extracting, processing, or concentrating ore materials.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Mineral Occurrence
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
Concentration of useful minerals or materials in sufficient quantity that it has been (or might be) exploited.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Mineral Region
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
An area defined by a grouping of mines or mineral deposits or a geological environment permissive for mineral deposits.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label:
Ftr_ID (Dep_Model, Descr_Sum, GeolMinOcc, History, Loc_Poly, Loc_Poly_Sw, Loc_Pt, Production, Resources)
Attribute_Definition:
An identification assigned to a feature. A “-1111” value indicates that the record pertains to a group of related features. These features will have the same Site_ID but differing Ftr_IDs.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
The format of the identification pertains to the type of feature followed by a number. The format is Mo (for mineral occurrences), Mr (for mineral regions), or Mf (for mine features) followed by a 5-digit number, for example, “Mo00001”.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label:
Ftr_Name (Dep_Model, GeolMinOcc, History, Loc_Poly, Loc_Poly_Sw, Loc_Pt, Production, Resources)
Attribute_Definition: Published name of a database feature.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
Current (preferred) form of the name of the mine, mineral occurrence, or mineral region.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Ftr_Type (GeolMinOcc, Loc_Pt)
Attribute_Definition: Type of mine, mineral occurrence, or mineral region feature.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Adit
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: A horizontal passage from the surface into a mine.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: AGI (2011)
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Area
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Area of similar geology and deposit types.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Deposit
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
A mineral occurrence with grade and size as determined by a reserve, or a resource estimate, or by production history.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Mine Shaft
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
A vertical or inclined excavation through which a mine is worked.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: AGI (2011)
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Mineral District
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
An area, usually designated by name, defined by a group of deposits of similar type, origin, or commodity.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Mining District
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
A section of country usually designated by name, having described or understood boundaries within which minerals are found and worked under rules and regulations prescribed by the miners therein. There is no limit to its territorial extent and its boundaries may be changed if vested rights are not thereby interfered with.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: AGI (1997)
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Open Pit Mine
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
Surficial mine, in which the valuable rock is exposed by removal of overburden.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: AGI (2011)
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Placer District
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Area of placer mining operation.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Placer Mine
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
The extraction and concentration of heavy metals or minerals from placer deposits by various methods, generally using running water.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: AGI (2011)
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Portal Mine
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
A mine in which the main entry or access is by means of the mouth of an adit or tunnel.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Processing Plant
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
A facility/plant where processing occurs (The methods employed to clean, process, and prepare coal and metallic ores into the final marketable product.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: AGI (1997)
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Prospect
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
A mineral occurrence that has at least two dimensions (area) and evidence that useful minerals or materials are present, as indicated by analyses or the presence of valuable minerals.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Prospect Pit
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
A general term for a pit made for the purpose of prospecting mineral-bearing ground.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: AGI (1997)
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Shaft Mine
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
A mine in which the main entry or access is by means of a shaft.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: AGI (1997)
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Showing
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
A mineral occurrence where potentially useful minerals or rocks are present as indicated by geological examination or analyses of samples.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Strip Mine
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
A surface mine in which ore is exposed by removal of overburden (barren material). Coal, numerous nonmetals, and metallic ore deposits may be mined in this manner. May also be referred to as open cast mines.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: AGI (1997)
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Underground Workings
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
A mine feature that is specified by the data source as 'underground workings', or a group of underground mine features such as drifts, stopes, winzes, levels, etc. These features are projected to the surface.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Unspecified Mine Feature
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
A mine whose actual feature identity is unknown or not specified.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: GEM_Name (Dep_Model)
Attribute_Definition: Associated geoenvironmental model(s).
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
Geoenvironmental models are derived from the deposit model classifying the deposit.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: GEM_RefID (Dep_Model)
Attribute_Definition: The geoenvironmental model classification reference.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
Short reference, or Ref_ID, of the source report that contains the information used to select the appropriate geoenvironmental model for a mineral occurrence.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: GeolMinOcc (Site)
Attribute_Definition:
Indicates whether data have been captured in the GeolMinOcc table for the mineral occurrence(s) on the site.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
A "Yes" or "No" value indicating which corresponding tables contain attribute information related to the site.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Grade (Production, Resources)
Attribute_Definition:
The reported numerical grade of the deposit. The minimum and maximum values listed below are from the Grade field in the Resources table. The values in this field for the Production table range from 0.00035 – 335 with variable units. Where the grade is reported as a range in values, the average of the range is listed within the field and the reported range is noted in the Remarks field.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Range_Domain:
Range_Domain_Minimum: 0.001
Range_Domain_Maximum: 3103.090088
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: See Grade_Unit.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Grade_Unit (Production, Resources)
Attribute_Definition: The units of the reported numerical grade.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
Values may include grams per tonne, parts per million, percent, etc.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: GradeSI (Production, Resources)
Attribute_Definition:
The reported numerical grade (Grade) converted to International System of Units (SI). The minimum and maximum values listed below are from the GradeSI field in the Resources table. The values in this field for the Production table range from 0.000118 – 45.6 with variable units. Where the grade is reported as a range in values, the average of the range is listed within the field and the reported range is noted in the Remarks field.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Range_Domain:
Range_Domain_Minimum: 0.001
Range_Domain_Maximum: 3103.09
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: See GradUnitSI.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: GradUnitSI (Production, Resources)
Attribute_Definition:
The units of the reported grade (Grade_Unit) converted to International System of Units (SI).
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
Values may include grams per metric ton, parts per million, percent, etc.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: History (Site)
Attribute_Definition:
Indicates whether history data for the site have been captured in the History table.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
A "Yes" or "No" value indicating which corresponding tables contain attribute information related to the site.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Host_Age (GeolMinOcc)
Attribute_Definition:
The age of the lithological unit(s) that host, that are in direct contact with, or cut across the mineral occurrence (Host_Litho).
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
Age is recorded as it was stated in the source, this age may be reported as numeric values or chronostratigraphic units.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Host_Litho (GeolMinOcc)
Attribute_Definition:
The lithological unit(s) that host, that are in direct contact with, or cut across the mineral occurrence.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain: Values may include breccia, granite, heavy-mineral sands, etc.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Host_Name (GeolMinOcc)
Attribute_Definition:
The formal name of lithological units that host the mineral occurrence.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain: Descriptive text, not abbreviated.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label:
Last_Updt (Dep_Model, Descr_Sum, GeolMinOcc, History, Loc_Poly, Loc_Poly_Sw, Loc_Pt, Production, References, Resources)
Attribute_Definition:
The date that the record was last updated or revised by the USGS authors.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain: Format is YYYY-MM-DD.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Lat_WGS84 (Loc_Pt)
Attribute_Definition:
Latitude of the point location in decimal degrees (WGS84). The Pt_Def field indicates the type of location.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Range_Domain:
Range_Domain_Minimum: 27.6384
Range_Domain_Maximum: 69.529824
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: decimal degrees
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Loc_Date (Loc_Poly_Sw, Loc_Pt)
Attribute_Definition:
The publication year of the map used to obtain the feature location.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
The year may differ from the publication date of the reference (identified by the Ref_ID). For example, the explanation for a location figure in a report states “Map from 2002”. The reference was published in 2003. In this case, “2002” is recorded in Loc_Date.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Loc_Poly (Loc_Pt, Site)
Attribute_Definition:
Indicates whether a polygon location(s) has been digitized for a corresponding point location.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
A "Yes" or "No" value indicating which corresponding tables contain attribute information related to the site.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Loc_Pt (Site)
Attribute_Definition:
Indicates whether the point location(s) has been captured for features in the site.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
A "Yes" or "No" value indicating which corresponding tables contain attribute information related to the site.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Loc_Scale (Loc_Pt)
Attribute_Definition:
Defines the accuracy of the location as Large, Medium, or Small depending on the scale of the map that the location was captured from.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Small (less than 1:250,000)
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
The representative fraction scale of the source map is 1:250,000 or smaller.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Medium (1:24,000-1:250,000)
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
The representative fraction scale of the source map is between 1:24,000 and 1:250,000.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Large (greater than 1:24,000)
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
The representative fraction scale of the source map is 1:24,000 or larger.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Long_WGS84 (Loc_Pt)
Attribute_Definition:
Longitude of the point location in decimal degrees (WGS84). The Pt_Def field indicates the type of location.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Range_Domain:
Range_Domain_Minimum: -162.918863
Range_Domain_Maximum: -73.452802
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: decimal degrees
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Mat_Amnt (Production, Resources)
Attribute_Definition:
The reported amount of the material. The minimum and maximum values listed here are from the Mat_Amnt field in the Resources table. The values in this field for the Production table range from 1 – 1,990,000,000 with variable units. Negative number values indicate that the amount value is listed for two different commodities. For example, if the source says that there were 900 metric tons of ore containing 0.15 percent thorium and 0.08 percent monazite, -900 would be entered in Mat_Amnt for each record (table row).
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Range_Domain:
Range_Domain_Minimum: 85
Range_Domain_Maximum: 16,700,000,000
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: See Mat_Units.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Mat_Type (Production, Resources)
Attribute_Definition:
Type of material in the resource or reserve estimate, or type of material produced from the mine.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: bulk material
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
Usually refers to industrial materials where estimates are given for weight or volumetric units.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: commodity
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
The final, valuable material that has been processed out of the ore material. The type of commodity is commonly represented in the final sales units such as ounces, pounds, etc.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: ore
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
The mixture of valuable materials along with gangue rocks and minerals. Ore is commonly represented in tons, metric tons, cubic yards, carloads, etc., and is usually associated with a grade(s) of valuable material(s) contained in a given amount of ore produced.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Mat_Units (Production, Resources)
Attribute_Definition: The units of the material amount reported.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
Values may include kilograms, metric tons, pounds, short tons, etc.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: MatAmntSI (Production, Resources)
Attribute_Definition:
The reported amount of the material (Mat_Amnt) converted to International System of Units (SI). The minimum and maximum values listed here are from the MatAmntSI field in the Resources table. The values in this field for the Production table range from .007 – 241,723,000 with variable units. Negative number values indicate that the amount value is listed for two different commodities. For example, if the source says that there were 900 metric tons of ore containing 0.15 percent thorium and 0.08 percent monazite, -900 would be entered in Mat_Amnt for each record (table row).
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Range_Domain:
Range_Domain_Minimum: 77
Range_Domain_Maximum: 2,420,000,000
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: See MatUnitsSI.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Material (Production, Resources)
Attribute_Definition:
The material reported in the production value or resource estimate.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
Values may include monazite, rare-earth elements (REE), rare-earth oxide (REO), etc.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: MatUnitsSI (Production, Resources)
Attribute_Definition:
The units of the material amount reported (Mat_Units) after conversion to International System of Units (SI).
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
Values include cubic meters, metric tons, and metric ton unit (tungsten trioxide).
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Min_Age (GeolMinOcc)
Attribute_Definition: Age of mineralization.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain: Values may be numeric, descriptive text, or a combination.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Min_Style (GeolMinOcc)
Attribute_Definition: Describes how the valuable materials occur.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain: Values may include dikes, disseminated, veins, etc.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: MinReg_ID (Site)
Attribute_Definition:
Unique identification of a mineral region. MinReg_ID is the same as the Ftr_ID in the Loc_Pt table.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
In this database, mineral region types include mineral districts, placer districts, areas, and mining districts, that contain one or more mine or mineral occurrence feature.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Other_Name (Loc_Pt, Site)
Attribute_Definition:
Other reported names of the mineral region, mineral occurrence, mine, or site.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain: Descriptive text, not abbreviated.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Poly_Def (Loc_Pt)
Attribute_Definition: Type of polygonal boundary.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
Definitions of polygons are typically derived from map legends or source descriptions, and may include outline of mining districts, ore body outline, etc.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Prod_USD (Production)
Attribute_Definition:
Gross value of production from the mine in U.S. dollars. Dollars amounts are those at the time of the publication. This version includes one value, though the database structure is set for a range domain to be used in other releases.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Range_Domain:
Range_Domain_Minimum: 12,000
Range_Domain_Maximum: 12,000
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: U.S. Dollars
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Production (Site)
Attribute_Definition:
Indicates whether the production data for the mine(s) on the site have been recorded in the Production table.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
A "Yes" or "No" value indicating which corresponding tables contain attribute information related to the site.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Pt_Def (Loc_Pt)
Attribute_Definition: Point definition from source report or approximated by authors.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
Points can be captured from a source report figure or map, or approximated by the authors to show a location of a mine (for example, center of pit). In cases where a mineral occurrence or mineral region boundary was available, the polygon was digitized, and the point represents the approximate center of the polygon (centroid).
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Rcvry_Amt (Production)
Attribute_Definition:
The amount of recovered material. This version includes one value, though the database structure is set for a range domain to be used in other releases.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Range_Domain:
Range_Domain_Minimum: 591
Range_Domain_Maximum: 591
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: See Rcvry_Unit
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Rcvry_Unit (Production)
Attribute_Definition: Unit of weight of the recovered material.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain: Metric tons.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: RcvryAmtSI (Production)
Attribute_Definition:
The amount of recovered material (Rcvry_Amt) converted to International System of Units (SI). This version includes one value, though the database structure is set for a range domain to be used in other releases.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Range_Domain:
Range_Domain_Minimum: 591
Range_Domain_Maximum: 591
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: See RcvryUntSI
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: RcvryUntSI (Production)
Attribute_Definition:
Units of weight of the recovered material (Rcvry_Unit) converted to the International System of Units (SI).
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain: Unit of weight converted to metric tons.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label:
Ref_Detail (Dep_Model, History, Loc_Poly_Sw, Loc_Pt, Production, Resources)
Attribute_Definition:
The figure, page, map, etc. number that the data were recorded from.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
If the data occurs in a table on a certain page, the table name or number and page number are captured, for example, “Page 10, Table 5".
Attribute:
Attribute_Label:
Ref_ID (Descr_Sum, GeolMinOcc, History, Loc_Poly_Sw, Loc_Pt, Production, References, Resources)
Attribute_Definition: Shortened reference identification of the source report.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain: Identification includes author name(s) and publication year.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Reference (References)
Attribute_Definition: Full reference of the source report.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain: References are listed using USGS citation format.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label:
Remarks (Dep_Model, Descr_Sum, GeolMinOcc, History, Loc_Poly, Loc_Poly_Sw, Loc_Pt, Production, Resources, Site)
Attribute_Definition:
Additional author comments, remarks, or information about the feature or data.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain: Descriptive text, not abbreviated.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Resources (Site)
Attribute_Definition:
Indicates whether the resource or reserve estimates for the deposit(s) on the site have been captured in the Resources table.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
A "Yes" or "No" value indicating which corresponding tables contain attribute information related to the site.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Rsrc_Class (Resources)
Attribute_Definition:
Indicates how the resource or reserve was classified in the source report. Resources extracted from older sources might not be compliant with current rules and guidelines in minerals industry standards such as National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) or the Joint Ore Reserves Committee Code (JORC Code). Inclusion of material in the database is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain: Descriptive text, not abbreviated.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Rsrc_Code (Resources)
Attribute_Definition:
Standard classification system used to classify and report the estimate.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: CIM
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
The CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves (CIM Definition Standards) establish definitions and guidance on the definitions for mineral resources, mineral reserves, and mining studies used in Canada. The Mineral Resource, Mineral Reserve, and Mining Study definitions are incorporated, by reference, into National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101). The CIM Definition Standards can be viewed on the CIM website at www.cim.org.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: CIM (2014)
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: SEC
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The most common SEC form used in this database is a 10-K Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d).
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: https://www.sec.gov/
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Rsrc_Date (Resources)
Attribute_Definition:
Year of the resource estimate. If the value is "Null", the date of the resource estimate is unknown and most likely does not equal the date of the resource source publication.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain: Format is YYYY.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Rsrc_Descr (Resources)
Attribute_Definition:
Indicates how the resource or reserve was reported in the source report.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain: Values include Reserve, Resource, and Unclassified.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label:
Site_ID (Dep_Model, Descr_Sum, GeolMinOcc, History, Loc_Poly, Loc_Pt, Production, Resources, Site)
Attribute_Definition: Unique identification assigned to a site.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
Format is two-letter state abbreviation and a 5-digit number. For example, NV00001.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Site_Name (Site)
Attribute_Definition: Site name assigned by authors.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
Mine and mineral occurrence features are grouped into sites based on geological characteristics or location.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: StatDetail (History)
Attribute_Definition:
Status detail that pertains to the type of activity that occurred during a specified time period, as shown in the Year_From and Year_To fields.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
Additional information about the Status field. Values include descriptive text entry.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: State (Loc_Poly_Sw, Loc_Pt)
Attribute_Definition: U.S. state name abbreviation.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain: State name abbreviated using 2-letter codes.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Status (History)
Attribute_Definition:
Activity that took place during a specified time period, as shown in the Year_From and Year_To fields.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Active
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
Indicates a mine is in full-time or intermittent production, or is selling from stockpiles.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Closed to Mineral Entry
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Land is closed to mineral exploration and activity.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Development
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
Indicates planning and studies are in progress or have been completed for the development of the mine, or that a mine is actively under development.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Discovery
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
The actual finding of a valuable mineral, indicative of a deposit. Legally, a discovery is a prerequisite to making a mining claim on an area.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: AGI (2011)
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Evaluation
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
The fixing of an evaluation, not an appraisal. Used in preference of the word valuation, which is often confused with appraisal.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: AGI (1997)
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Exploration
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
The search for deposits of useful minerals or fossil fuels. It may include geologic reconnaissance, e.g. remote sensing, photogeology, geophysical and geochemical methods, and both surface and underground investigations. Establishing the nature of a known mineral deposit, preparatory to development. In the sense that exploration goes beyond discovery, it is a broader term than prospecting.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: AGI (2011)
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Inactive
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
Indicates that a mine is not in production, is on care and maintenance, or is under reclamation.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Intermittent Exploration
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
The process of exploration that occurs at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady evaluation activity at the site.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Value_Mat (GeolMinOcc)
Attribute_Definition:
Valuable materials (minerals or rocks) that comprise the valuable constituents of a deposit.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain: Values may include monazite, thorite, yttrium, etc.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Year_From (History, Production)
Attribute_Definition:
First year of production or history. When mine production was intermittent, only the first and last year of reported production are shown.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
See Last_Updt (last updated) field for the currency of the values.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Year_To (History, Production)
Attribute_Definition:
Last year of production or history. When mine production was intermittent, only the first and last year of reported production are shown.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USGS Authors
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
See Last_Updt (last updated) field for the currency of the values.
Overview_Description:
Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:
The entity and attribute information provided describe the tabular data associated with the data set. Please review the detailed descriptions that are provided (the individual attribute descriptions) for information on the values that appear as fields/table entries of the data set.
Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:
The entity and attribute information was generated by the individual and (or) agency identified as the originator of the data set. Please review the rest of the metadata record for additional details and information.
Distribution_Information:
Distributor:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Organization_Primary:
Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey - ScienceBase
Contact_Person: USGS Information Services
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: mailing address
Address: Building 810, Mail Stop 302
City: Denver
State_or_Province: CO
Postal_Code: 80225
Country: United States of America
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 1-888-ASK-USGS (1-888-275-8747)
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: sciencebase@usgs.gov
Distribution_Liability:
This database, Rare Earth Element Occurrences in the United States (https://doi.org/10.5066/F7FN15D1) has been approved for data release by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Although this database has been subjected to rigorous review and is substantially complete, the USGS reserves the right to revise the data pursuant to further analysis and review. Furthermore, it is released on condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government may be held liable for any damages resulting from its authorized or unauthorized use. Although these data have been processed successfully on a computer system at the USGS, no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data on any other system, or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. The USGS shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and (or) contained herein. Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Although this information product, for the most part, is in the public domain, it also contains copyrighted materials as noted in the text. Permission to reproduce copyrighted items for other than personal use must be secured from the copyright owner.
Standard_Order_Process:
Digital_Form:
Digital_Transfer_Information:
Format_Name: Digital Data
Digital_Transfer_Option:
Online_Option:
Computer_Contact_Information:
Network_Address:
Network_Resource_Name: https://doi.org/10.5066/F7FN15D1
Fees: None. No fees are applicable for obtaining the data set.
Metadata_Reference_Information:
Metadata_Date: 20190618
Metadata_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Person_Primary:
Contact_Person: Carma A San Juan
Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Region
Contact_Position: Physical Scientist
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: mailing address
Address: PO Box 25046, Mail Stop 973
City: Lakewood
State_or_Province: CO
Postal_Code: 80225
Country: United States
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 303-236-2450
Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 303-236-3200
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: csanjuan@usgs.gov
Metadata_Standard_Name: FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata
Metadata_Standard_Version: FGDC-STD-001-1998

This page is <https://mrdata.usgs.gov/deposit/metadata/USGS_REE_US_Metadata_FGDC.html>
Generated by mp version 2.9.50 on Mon Mar 30 10:09:28 2020