New BLM Tool Helps Industry Identify Known Critical Minerals Resources
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WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Land Management today announced its new Critical Minerals Screening Tool, an interactive tool that will help accelerate the responsible development of critical minerals resources on public lands.
“As our nation moves away from buying critical minerals and rare earth elements from foreign sources, the BLM has developed this interactive screening tool to highlight potential areas of domestic development of these vital resources,” said BLM Director Steve Pearce. “Sourcing these materials from our public lands ensures a steady domestic supply that America uses for its national security, economic stability, and technological competitiveness.”
The screening tool displays the location of critical minerals concentrations, including rare earth elements, alongside key mining and other infrastructure. The tool has clickable layers for users to display mining claims, land withdrawals, rights-of-way, transmission lines, and power production facilities. It also includes a layer depicting mineral processing facilities such as refineries and smelters from the Global Mining Dataset developed by the International Council on Mining and Metals, which provides standardized, reliable information on where mining and metals facilities are located and what they produce.
Critical minerals are vital to the U.S. economy and national security. The BLM, through the Department of the Interior, has been working with the mineral industry and state partners to ensure that the minerals powering our energy, defense, and technology supply chains are mined and processed in the United States.
The tool uses GIS data provided by the U.S. Geological Survey regarding occurrences and deposits of critical minerals and rare earth elements, as 16 of the 17 rare earth elements are also designated critical minerals. USGS is also the source of the 2025 Critical Minerals List, which helps BLM and other agencies prioritize permitting, mapping, and investment support for projects involving critical minerals, including copper, uranium, and phosphate.
The screening tool helps to promote critical minerals development and production on public lands and also helps BLM work with industry and state partners to elevate these minerals into strategic assets. The tool does not replace coordination with local BLM offices. Also, project proponents are encouraged to engage early with bureau staff to address site specific resource issues, tribal considerations and permitting needs.
The BLM Critical Minerals Screening Tool supports Executive Order 14241, Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production, and Secretary’s Order 3436, Unlocking Critical and Strategic Minerals from Mine Waste, Cutting Red Tape, and Restoring American Dominance in Strategic Mineral Production.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.