Proposals are being accepted by the Mineral Resources Program (MRP), Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) for State geological survey Mine Waste activities. Funds are made available to participating State geological surveys for activities focusing on mine waste inventory and characterization data compilation and acquisition, sampling and mapping efforts in support of ongoing Earth MRI efforts. State geological surveys may also apply for travel funds to the annual 2026 Earth MRI workshop. In FY 2026, approximately $5M is available for allocation to USGS Mine Waste cooperative agreements through a competitive proposal process. All MRP funds must be obligated by Sep 30, 2026.

Only State geological surveys are eligible to apply to this Notice of Funding Opportunity under the – Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law: 117-58, Sec. 40201). A university may submit a proposal on behalf of a State geological survey if the State geological survey is organized under a state university system. If a State geological survey is overdue on deliverables or progress reports on ANY previous or ongoing Earth MRI-funded agreements at the time of proposal submission, proposal may not be considered for funding.

Margaret Eastman margaret_eastman@ios.doi.gov