Geosciences

Two people look at a geology map showing the Minnesota Iron Range.

Program Overview

Leveraging geologic science and geochemistry to understand Minnesota’s resource potential while driving sustainable resource utilization.

Recent Research

  • Geological hydrogen prospects in Minnesota are being explored under the new partnership with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) funded by a grant from the US Department of Energy. 
  • Carbon dioxide sequestration and enhanced critical mineral recovery, a US Dept. of Energy Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) project, provided new funds to expand the present MINER (Mining Innovations for Negative Emissions Resources) investigation to specific rock types in southeastern Alaska for comparison with Minnesota minerals. 
  • Geological comparisons of Finland and Minnesota critical mineral resources are evolving with new partnerships with the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK), universities and mining companies in Finland.

Related News

A woman and man stand behind a desk looking at a large map.

Geologic mapping below the surface

NRRI plays key role in collecting critical minerals data for USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative.

A man stands on a short ladder with lake in background looking at long verticle tube

Time traveling with lake mud

Lake sediment sampling reveals historical air quality on Iron Range

Pumped Hydro Dam from above in Michigan.

Beyond lithium-ion batteries for energy storage

The intermittent nature of solar and wind energy options means large-scale energy storage is necessary. A new NRRI report outlines Minnesota's potential opportunities.

Students sit on floor looking at drill core samples in boxes.

NRRI geologists save important drill core for future study

Drill core are rock samples pulled from the ground to study mineral deposits. NRRI's quick action saved important core from the dump.

Media Coverage