The CGS Mineral Resources Program (MRP) provides data about California's varied non-fuel mineral resources (such as metals and industrial minerals), mineral hazards (such as radon, mercury, and naturally occurring asbestos), and information about active and historic mining activities throughout the state. The MRP divides its efforts primarily into two areas: Mineral Resources, and Mineral Hazards. We share our reports and maps with government agencies, universities, libraries, and the public. Paper reports and maps can be borrowed at most major libraries, or purchased from us , while most newer reports are available in digital formats, free of charge.
Mineral Resources
The MRP provides objective geologic expertise and information about California's diverse non-fuel mineral resources. Maps, reports, and other data products developed by MRP staff assist government agencies, mining companies, consultants, and the public in recognizing, developing, and protecting important mineral resources.
Mineral Land Classification
The primary focus of our Mineral Resources work is to classify lands throughout the state that contain regionally significant mineral resources as mandated by the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA). The SMARA requires the State Geologist to classify land into mineral resource zones based on the known or inferred mineral resource potential of that land. The primary goal is to ensure that important mineral resources do not become inaccessible due to uninformed land-use decisions. To this end, the MRP performs objective mineral land classification (MLC) to assist in the protection and wise development of California's mineral resources. The MLC process is based solely on geology, without regard to existing land use or land ownership. Learn more at our Mineral Land Classification page.
Mineral Production Data and Reports
The MRP provides an annual summary of the state’s mineral production exclusive of oil, gas, geothermal, and coal. The summary provides information on non-fuel mineral production, mining events, new permitting, exploration, and mining legislation. Explore our non-fuel mineral production reports.
Mineral Hazards
The MRP provides maps, technical information, and advice on minerals-related environmental and public health issues, such as radon and natural-occurring asbestos. The program also provides information about mercury-related activities at historic mine sites, and has participated in detailed studies related to mercury with other agencies and university research groups. In cooperation with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the program provides geological information and advice related to radon potential in California, and has undertaken special projects to prepare county-wide radon potential maps and to examine the relationships between geology, soils, and indoor radon at elementary schools. To learn more about radon, asbestos, and mercury in California, visit our Mineral Hazards pages.
MRP Contact Information
CGS Mineral Resources Program
715 P Street, MS 1901
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 445-1825
Fax: (916) 324-6490
minerals@conservation.ca.gov
Program Manager
Fred Gius, Supervising Engineering Geologist
fred.gius@conservation.ca.gov
