Beneath the Surface: Earth MRI and America’s Resource Potential

The House Committee on Natural Resources GOP Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a hearing on June 26, 2026, to discuss the U.S. Geological Survey's Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI). The hearing focused on the program's role in modernizing geological mapping to identify critical mineral resources essential for technological innovation, national defense, and economic competitiveness. Witnesses, including USGS officials, state geologists, industry representatives, and academic experts, highlighted Earth MRI's achievements such as expanding high-resolution geophysical data coverage from 7% to nearly 30% of the U.S., investing $199 million in data acquisition, and fostering partnerships with states, tribes, universities, and private industry. The discussion emphasized the importance of reauthorizing and funding Earth MRI beyond the expiration of its current authorization and supplemental infrastructure funding, which provided $320 million over five years but is set to expire. Members addressed the program's scalability, the need for advanced technologies like full tensor gravity surveys, and the integration of AI to accelerate data processing and mineral exploration. The hearing also covered Earth MRI's broader applications in groundwater management, hazard assessment, geothermal energy, and mine waste remediation. Concerns were raised about workforce development, data processing capacity, and safeguarding sensitive geospatial information. The committee expressed bipartisan support for continued investment in Earth MRI to strengthen domestic mineral supply chains, reduce reliance on foreign adversaries, and support economic growth and national security.