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: JXXX

Common entry-level jobs

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

Careers (links to US Bureau of Labor Statistics outlook)

Major employers

  • U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
  • U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
  • National Laboratories
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
  • State Geological Surveys
  • Major mining companies (Freeport McMoRan, Rio Tinto)
  • Junior mining companies (Stillwater Critical Minerals)
  • Automotive industry (Nissan USA, General Motors)

Training in the School of Earth Sciences

In the School of Earth Sciences, you'll build practical, career-ready skills across the Earth sciences: 

  • Mineralogy
  • Petrology
  • Stratigraphy/Tectonics
  • Geophysics
  • Field methods
  • GIS

Courses to consider

  • Mineralogy
  • Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology
  • Sed/Strat
  • Field Methods
  • 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.

Environmental impacts?

Students learn geochemistry and regulatory context to support responsible practices.