As the science agency for the Department of the Interior, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides scientific information to support policy decisions on the stewardship of natural resources essential for economic and national security. Recent legislation reaffirms the original mission of the USGS articulated in the Organic Act of 1879 (43 U.S.C. 31) as “the classification of the public lands and examination of the geological structure, mineral resources, and products of the national domain” and focuses research and assessment efforts on critical minerals.
