July 18th, 2025
Low-level airplane flights begin as soon as late July over the Black Hills and Bear Lodge areas of Wyoming and South Dakota 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 state geological surveys of South Dakota and Wyoming, 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, as well as water and potential hazards. The Wyoming and South Dakota geological surveys are helping with the work of the nation—and adding to state knowledge crucial to water access, hazards and the mining economy,” said Jamey Jones, science coordinator for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Earth Mapping Resource Initiative.
“Collection of these fundamental geologic data addresses the national prioritization of locating domestic mineral resources needed to drive the U.S. economy and provide for national security,” said Erin Campbell, Director and State Geologist of the Wyoming State Geological Survey.
The survey is designed to advance interpretations of the Precambrian geologic framework of the greater Black Hills area, as well as aid in mapping Tertiary-age intrusions known to host rare earth elements. These elements are used in magnets for electric motors, wind turbines, and hard drives, as well as defense applications such as radar and guidance systems in fighter jets and missile systems. In 2024, the U.S. was reliant on imports for 80% of rare earth element use.
Tim Cowman, State Geologist and Program Administrator for the South Dakota Geological Survey, noted the importance of this regional work.
“The collaboration between the USGS, Wyoming, and South Dakota geological surveys will benefit the entire country,” he said. “Once completed, we will have a better understanding of the complicated structure of this region and how that structure influenced emplacement of carbonatite intrusions.”
The survey will acquire both magnetic and radiometric data using a fixed-wing aircraft. The aircraft will fly along pre-planned flight paths relatively low to the ground at about 300 feet (100 meters) above the surface. Ground clearance will be increased to 1,000 feet (300+ meters) over populated areas and will comply with Federal Aviation Administration regulations.
Flights may be based out of several regional airports, with Rapid City as the primary airport.
The USGS has contracted with Fugro and Xcalibur Aviation Limited to collect data.
Funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has facilitated coverage of such a large area.
The survey fits into a broader effort by the USGS, the Wyoming State Geological Survey, the South Dakota Geological Survey, and other partners—including private companies, academics and state and federal agencies—to modernize our understanding of the Nation’s fundamental geologic framework and knowledge of mineral resources.
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. back...
The flights are a collaborative effort between the U.S. Geological Survey’s Earth Mapping Resources Initiative and the state geological surveys of South Dakota and Wyoming, 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, as well as water and potential hazards. The Wyoming and South Dakota geological surveys are helping with the work of the nation—and adding to state knowledge crucial to water access, hazards and the mining economy,” said Jamey Jones, science coordinator for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Earth Mapping Resource Initiative.
“Collection of these fundamental geologic data addresses the national prioritization of locating domestic mineral resources needed to drive the U.S. economy and provide for national security,” said Erin Campbell, Director and State Geologist of the Wyoming State Geological Survey.
The survey is designed to advance interpretations of the Precambrian geologic framework of the greater Black Hills area, as well as aid in mapping Tertiary-age intrusions known to host rare earth elements. These elements are used in magnets for electric motors, wind turbines, and hard drives, as well as defense applications such as radar and guidance systems in fighter jets and missile systems. In 2024, the U.S. was reliant on imports for 80% of rare earth element use.
Tim Cowman, State Geologist and Program Administrator for the South Dakota Geological Survey, noted the importance of this regional work.
“The collaboration between the USGS, Wyoming, and South Dakota geological surveys will benefit the entire country,” he said. “Once completed, we will have a better understanding of the complicated structure of this region and how that structure influenced emplacement of carbonatite intrusions.”
The survey will acquire both magnetic and radiometric data using a fixed-wing aircraft. The aircraft will fly along pre-planned flight paths relatively low to the ground at about 300 feet (100 meters) above the surface. Ground clearance will be increased to 1,000 feet (300+ meters) over populated areas and will comply with Federal Aviation Administration regulations.
Flights may be based out of several regional airports, with Rapid City as the primary airport.
The USGS has contracted with Fugro and Xcalibur Aviation Limited to collect data.
Funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has facilitated coverage of such a large area.
The survey fits into a broader effort by the USGS, the Wyoming State Geological Survey, the South Dakota Geological Survey, and other partners—including private companies, academics and state and federal agencies—to modernize our understanding of the Nation’s fundamental geologic framework and knowledge of mineral resources.
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. back...
