Low-level airplane flights kave begun over the Duluth Complex and Cuyuna Range in Northeastern Minnesota to image geology using airborne geophysical technology.
The flights are a collaborative effort between the U.S. Geological Survey’s Earth Mapping Resources Initiative and the Minnesota Geological Survey and are part of a national effort to modernize mapping of the nation’s geology.
“Partnership with state surveys helps accomplish national goals like mapping the critical minerals the U.S. needs. The Minnesota Geological Survey is helping with the work of the nation -- and adding to state knowledge crucial to water resources, hazards and the resource economy,” said Jamey Jones, science coordinator for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Earth Mapping Resources Initiative.
“This USGS program offers the Minnesota Geological Survey an opportunity to improve our understanding of geologic resources in the state, including materials needed for cleaner sources of energy and national security. It accelerates our ongoing mission to provide the geologic information necessary to protect and manage mineral and water resources across the state,” said Robert Tipping, Director of the Minnesota Geological Survey.
Potential mineral commodities in the region include nickel, cobalt, platinum group elements and manganese, all of which are on the List of Critical Minerals maintained by the USGS as essential for the U.S. economy and national security. One industrial use of manganese, cobalt and nickel is for manufacturing lithium-ion batteries used in computers, power tools and vehicles. There is also significant additional potential for copper, iron and gold in the survey region.
The survey is designed to identify Midcontinent Rift-related intrusions that are known to have significant potential for economic deposits of magmatic sulfides, as well as aid in mapping of the Precambrian geologic framework of the region, which will inform more detailed geological mapping projects and studies of mineral resource potential.
The USGS has contracted with Precision GeoSurveys, EDCON- PRJ and NV5 to collect the airborne data. Their small fixedwing aircraft will be equipped with an elongated “stinger” that extends behind the main cabin which houses sensors collecting data. These scientific instruments are completely passive with no emissions that pose a risk to humans, animals, or plant life. No photography or video data will be collected. The aircraft will be flown by experienced pilots who are specially trained and approved for low-level flying. These pilots work with the FAA to ensure flights are safe and in accordance with U.S. law. The surveys will be conducted during daylight hours only.
Flights will be based out of several regional airports, including Hibbing, Ely, Duluth and St. Cloud Airports, and fly over 20 counties: Aitkin; Anoka; Benton; Carlton; Cass; Chisago; Cook; Crow Wing; Isanti; Itasca; Kanabec; Koochiching; Lake; Meeker; Mille Lacs; Morrison; Pine; Sherburne; St. Louis; Stearns; and Wright.
Funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has facilitated coverage of such a large area.
This effort is known as the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative, and it includes airborne geophysical surveys like this one, geochemical reconnaissance surveys, topographic mapping using LiDAR technology, hyperspectral surveys, and geologic mapping projects.
