Tungsten Deposits in the United States

Publication Date

2018-08-27

Carroll, T.R., Schmeda, G., Karl, N.A., Burger, M.H., Long, K.R., Reyes, T.A., 2018, Tungsten deposits in the United States: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9XA8MJ4.

Type: Web Link

This dataset is part of an ongoing effort by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to understand the attributes and geologic distribution of critical mineral resources, both globally, and in particular, in the United States. The United States continues to become more dependent on imports to meet the domestic demands for an increasing number of mineral commodities. Many mineral commodities are now produced primarily or entirely outside of the United States, creating the potential for supply interruptions in the foreseeable future, or in the long term. These important but highly dependent mineral commodities are deemed critical and (or) strategic resources. As a part of the process set forth by Executive Order 13817, the USGS National Minerals Information Center (NMIC) identified tungsten as a critical mineral due to the import reliance and importance in defense and industrial applications. Tungsten minerals were an important part of the United States’ industrialization efforts and the domestic mining picture for a majority of the 20th century. Despite reduced domestic production, the need for tungsten minerals and their downstream components remains high. Tungsten is necessary for strategic, consumer, and commercial applications. Due to its strength, hardness, high melting and boiling points, tungsten is used in wear-resistant applications, specialty steel and alloys, and electrical and chemical products. This dataset was compiled to provide base layers of information that identify and describe the known tungsten deposits in the United States. This compilation is intended to contribute to our geologic understanding of tungsten deposits in the United States, and to assist in evaluating their resource potential.

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