---
kind: "section"
citation: "43 U.S.C. § 31l"
title: "43"
title_heading: "Public Lands"
number: "31l"
heading: "Earth Mapping Resources Initiative"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/43/31l"
units:
  - "Chapter 2 — United States Geological Survey"
---

# §31l. Earth Mapping Resources Initiative

- (a) **Definition of critical mineral—** In this section, the term “critical mineral” has the meaning given the term in [section 1606(a) of title 30](/usc/30/1606.md?p=a).
- (b) **Establishment—** There is established within the United States Geological [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) an initiative, to be known as the “Earth Mapping Resources Initiative” (referred to in this section as the “Initiative”).
- (c) **Purpose—** The purpose of the Initiative shall be to accelerate efforts to carry out the fundamental resources and mapping mission of the United States Geological [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) by—
  - (1) providing integrated topographic, geologic, geochemical, and geophysical mapping;
  - (2) accelerating the integration and consolidation of geospatial and resource data; and
  - (3) providing interpretation of subsurface and above-ground mineral resources data.
- (d) **Cooperative agreements—**
  - (1) **In general—** In carrying out the Initiative, the [Director](/usc/43/31b.md?p=3) of the United States Geological [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) may enter into cooperative agreements with [State](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8) geological [surveys](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10).
  - (2) **Effect—** Nothing in [paragraph (1)](#d-1) precludes the [Director](/usc/43/31b.md?p=3) of the United States Geological [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) from using existing contracting authorities in carrying out the Initiative.
- (e) **Comprehensive mapping modernization—**
  - (1) **In general—** Not later than 10 years after November 15, 2021, the Initiative shall complete an initial comprehensive national modern surface and subsurface mapping and data integration effort.
  - (2) **Approach—** In carrying out [paragraph (1)](#e-1) with regard to minerals, mineralization, and mineral deposits, the Initiative shall focus on the full range of minerals, using a whole ore body approach rather than a single commodity approach, to emphasize all of the recoverable critical minerals in a given surface or subsurface deposit.
  - (3) **Priority—** In carrying out [paragraph (1)](#e-1) with regard to minerals, mineralization, and mineral deposits, the Initiative shall prioritize mapping and assessing critical minerals.
  - (4) **Inclusions—** In carrying out [paragraph (1)](#e-1), the Initiative shall also—
    - (A) map and collect data for areas containing mine waste to increase understanding of above-ground critical mineral resources in previously disturbed areas; and
    - (B) provide for analysis of samples, including samples within the National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program established under [section 15908(b) of title 42](/usc/42/15908.md?p=b) for the occurrence of critical minerals.
- (f) **Availability—** The Initiative shall make the geospatial data and metadata gathered by the Initiative under [subsection (e)(1)](#e-1) electronically publicly accessible on an ongoing basis.
- (g) **Integration of data sources—** The Initiative shall integrate data sources, including data from—
  - (1) the National Cooperative [Geologic Mapping Program](/usc/43/31b.md?p=6) established by [section 31c(a)(1) of this title](/usc/43/31c.md?p=a-1);
  - (2) the National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program established under [section 15908(b) of title 42](/usc/42/15908.md?p=b);
  - (3) the USMIN Mineral Deposit Database of the United States Geological [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10);
  - (4) the 3D Elevation Program established under [section 3104(a) of this title](/usc/43/3104.md?p=a); and
  - (5) other relevant sources, including sources providing geothermal resources data.
- (h) **Authorization of appropriations—** There is authorized to be appropriated to the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) to carry out this section $320,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, to remain available until expended.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 117–58, div. D, title II, § 40201, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 958.)

## Notes

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Wage Rate Requirements

For provisions relating to rates of wages to be paid to laborers and mechanics on projects for construction, alteration, or repair work funded under div. D or an amendment by div. D of Pub. L. 117–58, including authority of Secretary of Labor, see section 18851 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

### Definition of “Secretary”

For definition of Secretary as used in this section, see section 18701 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.