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*Wyoming State Geological Survey* September 18, 2025

******FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE******

* Media Contact:* Bryce Tugwell, Media and Communications Manager [email protected]
Wyoming State Geological Survey Office: (307) 745-2236 Cell: (307) 703-0761 [link removed] 

*New Geophysical Data Released for Southern Wyoming and Northern Colorado*

LARAMIE, Wyo. — High-resolution radiometric and magnetic data from an airborne geophysical survey of the Sierra Madre–Elkhead Mountains–Medicine Bow Mountains region of southern Wyoming and northern Colorado are now available to the public.

The U.S. Geological Survey’s Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) funded the project to improve understanding of the nation’s geologic framework and critical mineral resources. Helicopters collected the data between fall 2023 and fall 2024, covering about 13,000 square kilometers across southern Wyoming and northern Colorado.

“This survey provides fundamental insight into the geology of southeast Wyoming and northern Colorado, which have long histories of mining exploration,” said Dr. Ranie Lynds, interim Wyoming State Geologist and director of the Wyoming State Geological Survey. “These data help us better understand mineral and energy resources, groundwater, and potential hazards such as earthquakes and radon.”

A helicopter equipped with a stinger-mounted magnetometer and gamma-ray spectrometer.

"A helicopter equipped with a stinger-mounted magnetometer and gamma-ray spectrometer conducted flights during summer of 2023 and 2024 to collect the survey data. New Sense Geophysics, Ltd. photograph."

Magnetic data reveal differences in rock composition, faults, and magnetic minerals often linked to critical mineral deposits. Radiometric data measure natural potassium, uranium, and thorium near the surface, helping scientists map geologic processes and identify potential mineral resources.

“This project shows the value of federal and state geological surveys working together to deliver high-quality geoscience data,” said Matt Morgan, State Geologist of Colorado and president of the Association of American State Geologists. “Earth MRI gives decision-makers, industry, and the public the tools they need to guide resource development and protect communities.”

The survey area includes Precambrian-cored mountain ranges cut by the Cheyenne Belt, a major crustal boundary that hosts several mineral systems. Historic mining districts in the region continue to attract exploration for copper, gold, nickel, vanadium, platinum-group elements, and other resources.

The USGS contracted New Sense Geophysics Ltd. and Merrick-Surdex Joint Venture, LLP, to collect 72,000 line-kilometers of magnetic and radiometric data. Helicopters flew 100 meters above terrain on north–south flight lines spaced 200 meters apart, with tie lines flown east–west every 2,000 meters.

Data files include flight lines, data grids, and a technical report. Images are also available on the WSGS Mineral Resources interactive map [ [link removed] ]. To download the new dataset, visit the USGS data release page [ [link removed] ]. Additional project details are available on the WSGS website.

For more information on Earth MRI surveys, visit the USGS Earth MRI Acquisitions Viewer [ [link removed] ]. For more information on ongoing WSGS minerals-related projects, see the WSGS current projects [ [link removed] ] website. For more information on USGS mineral research, see the USGS Mineral Resources Program [ [link removed] ] website. A WSGS public information circular [ [link removed] ] on the importance of publicly available geophysical data can be downloaded from the WSGS website.

Map of magnetic anomalies from the Sierra Madre-Elkhead Mountains-Medicine Bow Mountains aeromagnetic survey

"Map of magnetic anomalies from the Sierra Madre-Elkhead Mountains-Medicine Bow Mountains aeromagnetic survey, highlighting magnetic anomalies in the northern Sierra Madre and Saratoga Valley. The left image shows new high-resolution magnetic data, which will aid in mineral exploration and provide a deeper understanding of the region's geology. The right image displays older, low-resolution data collected decades ago, useful only for large-scale regional interpretation. Inset map shows location of entire geophysical survey. WSGS map."

 

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