1998 Assessment of Undiscovered Deposits of Gold, Silver, Copper, Lead, and Zinc in the United States

The U.S. Geological Survey National Mineral Resource Assessment Team

Abstract:

This report summarizes the results of the 1998 National Mineral Resource Assessment that estimated the gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc in undiscovered deposits in the United States. This project also estimated the identified resources and past production of these five metals. Assessment results include the following: (1) It is estimated that 18,000 metric tons (t) of gold, 460,000 t of silver, 290,000 kilotons (kt) of copper, 85,000 kt of lead, and 210,000 kt of zinc are in undiscovered deposits minable with existing technology. (2) In addition, it is estimated that 15,000 t of gold, 160,000 t of silver, 260,000 kt of copper, 51,000 kt of lead, and 55,000 kt of zinc remain in identified resources. (3) Past production from the largest identified resources of gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc is estimated to be 12,000 t of gold, 170,000 t of silver, 91,000 kt of copper, 41,000 kt of lead, and 44,000 kt of zinc. These deposits account for about 99 percent of cumulative domestic production in the United States.

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USGS Numbered Series

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30775

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The U.S. Geological Survey National Mineral Resource Assessment Team

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U.S. Geological Survey

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Superseded by OFR 2002-198

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ENGLISH

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Report: 21 p.; One CD-ROM in pocket; Also available online

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U.S. Geological Survey

Citation Series:

Circular

Citation Series Code:

CIR

Citation Series Number:

1178

Citation Search Results Text:

1998 Assessment of Undiscovered Deposits of Gold, Silver, Copper, Lead, and Zinc in the United States; 2000; CIR; 1178; The U.S. Geological Survey National Mineral Resource Assessment Team

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2000

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citation/reference

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1998 Assessment of Undiscovered Deposits of Gold, Silver, Copper, Lead, and Zinc in the United States; 2000; CIR; 1178; The U.S. Geological Survey National Mineral Resource Assessment Team