Alaska strategic and critical minerals assessment

Project Details

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• Project ID:

  906

• Nickname/Abbreviation:

  Rare earth elements (REE)

• Parent Project:

  Mineral Resources Section projects

• Status:

  Active

• Description:

  The goals of this 3-year project are (1) to compile historic and industry-donated data in digital format; (2) to obtain new field and analytical data critical for assessing REE potential; (3) to evaluate the historic and new data to identify areas of Alaska with the highest REE potential, as well as those needing additional geologic evaluation; (4) to communicate the results of our work to the public; and (5) to publish the data and results of our studies on the DGGS website. This project was previously titled Rare-Earth Elements and Strategic Minerals Assessment project. Field areas include William Henry Bay, Ray Mountains, Annette Island, and the Wrangellia geologic belt (Alaska Range foothills and the Talkeetna Mountains).

• Project Date(s):

  2011 - present

• Primary Contact:

  Werdon, Melanie B.

• DGGS section:

  Admin

• Project Participants:

  Paul W. Layer, Rainer J. Newberry, David J. Szumigala, Melanie B. Werdon, Simone Montayne, De Anne S. P. Stevens, Lawrence K. Freeman, Matthew Granitto, Michael J. Blessington, Karri R. Sicard, T. C. Wright, Evan Twelker, Erik N. Bachmann, Amy L. Tuzzolino, William Wylie, David A. Reioux, Alicja Wypych, Jaime S. Azain

• Active Related Sub-Projects:

  • • Ray Mountains - (2012)

• Completed/Inactive Related Sub-Projects:

  • • Styx River geologic mapping - (2013)
  • • Wrangellia geologic mapping - (2013)
  • • Annette Island geochemistry - (2012)
  • • William Henry Bay - (2011)

• Stations/Samples:

  View list

Publications

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RDF 2016-12

Reioux, D.A., Werdon, M.B., Seitz, S.S., and Mulliken, K.M., 2016, Digital compilation of geochemical data for historical samples from occurrences of strategic and critical elements in Alaska: Part II - Platinum group elements (PGE): Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File 2016-12, 6 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/29474

RDF 2016-11

Blessington, M.J., Werdon, M.B., Seitz, S.S., and Mulliken, K.M., 2016, Digital compilation of geochemical data for historical samples from occurrences of strategic and critical elements in Alaska: Part I - Rare-earth elements (REE): Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File 2016-11, 4 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/29473

PIR 2016-4

Barker, J.C., Kelley, J.J., and Naidu, A.S., 2016, Heavy mineral concentration in a marine sediment transport conduit, Bering Strait, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Preliminary Interpretive Report 2016-4, 24 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/29666

PIR 2016-5

Barker, J.C., 2016, Investigation of rare-earth elements and zirconium in the northern Windy Fork peralkaline pluton, west-central Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Preliminary Interpretive Report 2016-5, 17 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/29667

RDF 2015-17

Werdon, M.B., 2015, Geochemical analyses of rock samples from the Tonsina area, Valdez Quadrangle, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File 2015-17, 3 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/29519

RDF 2015-4

Werdon, M.B., Granitto, Matthew, and Azain, J.S., 2015, Geochemical reanalysis of historical U.S. Geological Survey sediment samples from the Inmachuk, Kugruk, Kiwalik, and Koyuk River drainages, Granite Mountain, and the northern Darby Mountains, Bendeleben, Candle, Kotzebue, and Solomon quadrangles, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File 2015-4, 5 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/29448

RDF 2015-5

Werdon, M.B., Granitto, Matthew, and Azain, J.S., 2015, Geochemical reanalysis of historical U.S. Geological Survey sediment samples from the Haines area, Juneau and Skagway quadrangles, southeast Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File 2015-5, 5 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/29449

RDF 2015-6

Werdon, M.B., Granitto, Matthew, and Azain, J.S., 2015, Geochemical reanalysis of historical U.S. Geological Survey sediment samples from the Kougarok area, Bendeleben and Teller quadrangles, Seward Peninsula, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File 2015-6, 5 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/29450

RDF 2015-7

Werdon, M.B., Granitto, Matthew, and Azain, J.S., 2015, Geochemical reanalysis of historical U.S. Geological Survey sediment samples from the northeastern Alaska Range, Healy, Mount Hayes, Nabesna, and Tanacross quadrangles, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File 2015-7, 6 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/29451

RDF 2015-8

Werdon, M.B., Granitto, Matthew, and Azain, J.S., 2015, Geochemical reanalysis of historical U.S. Geological Survey sediment samples from the Tonsina area, Valdez Quadrangle, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File 2015-8, 5 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/29452

RDF 2015-9

Werdon, M.B., Granitto, Matthew, and Azain, J.S., 2015, Geochemical reanalysis of historical U.S. Geological Survey sediment samples from the Zane Hills, Hughes and Shungnak quadrangles, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File 2015-9, 5 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/29453

RDF 2014-21 v. 1.0.1

Benowitz, J.A., Layer, P.W., and Sicard, K.R., 2014, 40Ar/39Ar data, Styx River map area, Lime Hills C-1 Quadrangle, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File 2014-21 v. 1.0.1, 13 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/29134

RDF 2014-5

Werdon, M.B., Azain, J.S., and Granitto, Matthew, 2014, Reanalysis of historical U.S. Geological Survey sediment samples for geochemical data from the western part of the Wrangellia terrane, Anchorage, Gulkana, Healy, Mt. Hayes, Nabesna, and Talkeetna Mountains quadrangles, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File 2014-5, 6 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/27287

RDF 2014-19

Tuzzolino, A.L., Newberry, R.J., Benowitz, J.A., Layer, P.W., and Freeman, L.K., 2014, 40Ar/39Ar data, Ray Mountains area, Bettles Quadrangle, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File 2014-19, 12 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/29124

RDF 2014-17

Tuzzolino, A.L., Freeman, L.K., and Newberry, R.J., 2014, Geochemical major-oxide, minor-oxide, trace-element, and rare-earth-element data from rock samples collected in 2013 in the Ray Mountains area, Bettles A-1 and A-6 quadrangles, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File 2014-17, 3 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/27325

RDF 2014-15

Werdon, M.B., and Blessington, M.J., 2014, Analyses of historic U.S. Bureau of Mines samples for geochemical trace-element and rare-earth-element data from Kook Lake, Sitka Quadrangle, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File 2014-15, 4 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/27300

RDF 2014-14

Werdon, M.B., and Blessington, M.J., 2014, Analyses of historic U.S. Bureau of Mines samples for geochemical trace-element and rare-earth-element data from the VABM Bend area, Charley River and Eagle quadrangles, east-central Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File 2014-14, 4 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/27299

RDF 2014-13

Werdon, M.B., and Blessington, M.J., 2014, Analyses of historic U.S. Bureau of Mines samples for geochemical trace-element and rare-earth-element data from the Porcupine River drainage, northeastern Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File 2014-13, 4 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/27298

RDF 2014-11

Werdon, M.B., and Blessington, M.J., 2014, Analyses of historic U.S. Bureau of Mines samples for geochemical trace-element and rare-earth-element data from the Zane Hills pluton, northwestern Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File 2014-11, 4 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/27296

RDF 2014-10

Werdon, M.B., and Blessington, M.J., 2014, Analyses of historic U.S. Bureau of Mines samples for geochemical trace-element and rare-earth-element data from the Selawik Hills, northwestern Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File 2014-10, 4 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/27295

RDF 2014-9

Werdon, M.B., and Blessington, M.J., 2014, Analyses of historic U.S. Bureau of Mines samples for geochemical trace-element and rare-earth-element data from the Darby Mountains, Seward Peninsula, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File 2014-9, 4 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/27294

RDF 2014-8

Werdon, M.B., and Blessington, M.J., 2014, Analyses of historic U.S. Bureau of Mines samples for geochemical trace-element and rare-earth-element data from tin occurrences associated with the Ohio Creek pluton, south-central Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File 2014-8, 4 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/27293

RDF 2014-7

Werdon, M.B., and Blessington, M.J., 2014, Analyses of historic U.S. Bureau of Mines samples for geochemical trace-element and rare-earth-element data from the Circle mining district, western Crazy Mountains, and the Lime Peak area of the White Mountains, Circle Quadrangle, east-central Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File 2014-7, 4 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/27292

RDF 2014-6

Sicard, K.R., Wypych, Alicja, Twelker, Evan, Bachmann, E.N., Freeman, L.K., Newberry, R.J., Reioux, D.A., Tuzzolino, A.L., and Wright, T.C., 2014, Major-oxide, minor-oxide, and trace-element geochemical data from rocks in the Styx River area, Lime Hills C-1 Quadrangle, Lime Hills, McGrath, Talkeetna, and Tyonek quadrangles, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File 2014-6, 4 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/27289

RDF 2014-12

Werdon, M.B., and Blessington, M.J., 2014, Analyses of historic U.S. Bureau of Mines samples for geochemical trace-element and rare-earth-element data from the Ray River watershed, and Kanuti and Hodzana rivers uplands, central Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File 2014-12, 4 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/27297

RDF 2014-3

Twelker, Evan, Bachmann, E.N., Freeman, L.K., Newberry, R.J., Reioux, D.A., Sicard, K.R., Tuzzolino, A.L., Wright, T.C., and Wypych, Alicja, 2014, Major-oxide, minor-oxide, and trace-element geochemical data from rocks and stream sediments in the Wrangellia mineral assessment area, Gulkana, Healy, Mount Hayes, and Talkeetna Mountains quadrangles, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File 2014-3, 6 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/27181

RDF 2013-7

Blessington, M.J., Reioux, D.A., and Werdon, M.B., 2013, Analyses of historic U.S. Bureau of Mines rock and heavy mineral concentrate samples for geochemical trace-element and rare-earth element data--Ray Mountains and Kanuti-Hodzana uplands area, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File 2013-7, 2 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/25581

RDF 2013-5

Bachmann, E.N., Blessington, M.J., Freeman, L.K., Newberry, R.J., Tuzzolino, A.L., Wright, T.C., and Wylie, William, 2013, Geochemical major-oxide, minor-oxide, trace-element, and rare-earth-element data from rocks and stream sediments collected in 2012 in the Ray Mountains area, Beaver, Bettles, Livengood, and Tanana quadrangles, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File 2013-5, 4 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/25386

MP 151

Adleman, J.N., and Bluemink, Elizabeth, 2013, Second annual Alaska strategic and critical minerals summit: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Miscellaneous Publication 151, 17 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/25095

RDF 2013-2

Stevens, D.S.P., Werdon, M.B., and Wright, T.C., 2013, Geochemical trace-element and rare-earth element data from rock samples collected in 2012 on Annette Island, southeast Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File 2013-2, 2 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/24975

RDF 2012-2

Werdon, M.B., Gallagher, P.E., and Blessington, M.J., 2012, Geochemical, major-oxide, minor-oxide, trace-element, and rare-earth-element data from rock, stream sediment, and pan-concentrate samples collected in 2011 in the William Henry Bay area, Juneau C-4 and D-4 quadrangles, southeast Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Raw Data File 2012-2, 2 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/23843

MP 140

Cole, Henry, comp., 2011, Rare Earths in Alaska: Proceedings of Office of the Governor's Alaska Science and Engineering Advisory Commission Symposium, held Aug. 17-18, 1988, in Fairbanks, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Miscellaneous Publication 140, 140 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/22542

IC 61

Szumigala, D.J., and Werdon, M.B., 2011, Rare-Earth Elements: A brief overview including uses, worldwide resources, and known occurrences in Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Information Circular 61, 12 p. https://doi.org/10.14509/22262

Annual Reports

AR 2014-B

DGGS Staff, 2015, Mineral Resources FY15 project descriptions, in DGGS Staff, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Annual Report 2014: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Annual Report 2014-B, p. 39-51. https://doi.org/10.14509/29181

AR 2013-B

DGGS Staff, 2014, Mineral Resources FY14 project descriptions, in DGGS Staff, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Annual Report 2013: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Annual Report 2013-B, p. 41-52. https://doi.org/10.14509/27002

AR 2012-B

DGGS Staff, 2013, Mineral Resources FY13 project descriptions, in DGGS Staff, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Annual Report 2012: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Annual Report 2012-B, p. 34-39. https://doi.org/10.14509/24786

AR 2011-B

Werdon, M.B., Burns, L.E., Freeman, L.K., Griesel, G.A., Athey, J.E., Elliott, B.A., and Szumigala, D.J., 2012, Mineral Resources FY12 project descriptions, in DGGS Staff, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Annual Report 2011: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Annual Report 2011-B, p. 37-48. https://doi.org/10.14509/23304