# § 31l. Earth Mapping Resources Initiative
**(a)** **Definition of critical mineral** section 1606(a) of title 30
In this section, the term “critical mineral” has the meaning given the term in .
**(b)** **Establishment** There is established within the United States Geological Survey 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 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 of the United States Geological Survey may enter into cooperative agreements with State geological surveys.
**(2)** **Effect** Nothing in paragraph (1) precludes the Director of the United States Geological Survey from using existing contracting authorities in carrying out the Initiative.
**(e)** **Comprehensive mapping modernization**
**(1)** **In general** November 15, 2021
Not later than 10 years after , the Initiative shall complete an initial comprehensive national modern surface and subsurface mapping and data integration effort.
**(2)** **Approach** In carrying out paragraph (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) with regard to minerals, mineralization, and mineral deposits, the Initiative shall prioritize mapping and assessing critical minerals.
**(4)** **Inclusions** In carrying out paragraph (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 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) 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 established by section 31c(a)(1) of this title;
**(2)** the National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program established under section 15908(b) of title 42;
**(3)** the USMIN Mineral Deposit Database of the United States Geological Survey;
**(4)** the 3D Elevation Program established under section 3104(a) of this title; and
**(5)** other relevant sources, including sources providing geothermal resources data.
**(h)** **Authorization of appropriations** There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $320,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, to remain available until expended.
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**Source Credit**: (Pub. L. 117–58, div. D, title II, § 40201, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 958.)
## 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 , including authority of Secretary of Labor, see , The Public Health and Welfare.
### Definition of “Secretary”
For definition of Secretary as used in this section, see , The Public Health and Welfare.