Critical Mineral Resources

Critical Mineral Resources

Explore and characterize ore/mineral systems for batteries, wind, and electronics.

What graduates do

Students contribute to the responsible sourcing of materials needed for the energy transition and modern electronics.

  • Field and lab‑based entry roles
  • Growth tied to domestic supply chains and permitting
  • Graduate study opens advanced exploration/research

Degree expectation: BS for entry; MS preferred in exploration and for advancement.

Common entry-level jobs

  • Field geologist
  • Core/logging tech
  • Geochem lab tech
  • GIS tech

Careers (links to US Bureau of Labor Statistics outlook)

Training in the School of Earth Sciences

In the School of Earth Sciences you'll build core geoscience skills:

  • Mineralogy – identify minerals and link their properties to Earth’s interior
  • Petrology – classify igneous and metamorphic rocks and reconstruct their pressure–temperature histories
  • Stratigraphy and tectonics – read rock layers, structures, and plate motions through time
  • Geophysics – collect and interpret gravity, magnetic, seismic, and other data to image the subsurface
  • Field methods – make high-quality observations, measurements, and geologic maps
  • GIS – manage spatial data, analyze patterns, and create professional maps that communicate your results
     

Courses to consider

  • EARTHSC 4421 – Earth Materials
  • EARTHSC 4423 – Introductory Petrology
  • EARTHSC 4502 – Stratigraphy and Sedimentation
  • EARTHSC 5189.01 & 5189.02 – Field Geology 1 & 2 (Field Camp)
  • EARTHSC 4560 – Applied Geophysics

Hands‑on experiences

  • Orton collections projects
  • Core lab experience
  • Summer mapping internships
  • Industry guest lectures

FAQs

Is travel required? Early-career roles may include field rotations; many lab/GIS roles are campus- or city-based.
What is the environmental impact?  Students learn geochem and regulatory context to support responsible practices.