Mineral Resources and Society A Review of the U.S. Geological Survey's Mineral Resource Surveys Program Plan (1996) / Chapter Skim
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General Recommendations
General Recommendations
Pages 45-60
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From page 45... ...
This broader context would need to consider such factors as: the long-term view of mineral resource investigations and their importance to the USGS mandate; the organizational and "cultural" changes that have been profoundly affecting most geological surveys (and other government agencies) in recent years, in the United States as well as in many other countries (Appendix D)
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From page 46... ...
Although implied in the Plan, these three planning elements are not clearly stated. For example, from information presented in the Plan, the vision might be stated as follows: "To achieve excellence in mineral resource research and information, and in communication with all appropriate constituencies and users so as to fully meet the public's needs for mineral resource information." Such a vision should be conceived jointly by MRSP personnel and users.
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From page 47... ...
A clearer articulation of the vision, mission, and objectives of the overall program may lead to a clearer explanation of the key questions addressed by the each of the subprograms. Clearer statements of vision, mission, and objectives must be developed for the MRSP through in-depth consultation and discussion between MRSP users and MRSP staff.
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From page 48... ...
Other clients, users, and interested parties include federal land-management agencies, the mining and quarrying industries, environmental organizations, state geological surveys, state regulatory agencies, local governments, universities, other federal agencies (particularly the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers)
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From page 49... ...
The MRSP may be able to leverage its geological mapping activities through closer coordination with state geological surveys. The federal-state partnership established under the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program provides a convenient mechanism for achieving this goal.
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From page 50... ...
For example, the USGS Water Resources Division has established liaison committees for the projects within its National Water Quality Assessment Program, as well as a review committee for its research activities. These committees have been successful in guiding projects, and communicating preliminary results to a wide range of users.
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From page 51... ...
Geological Survey (National Research Council, 1987 contains findings and recommendations that remain valid today (Sidebar 3.1~. In particular, given the fundamental importance of geologic mapping in the assessment and mitigation subprograms, the pane} concludes that this activity should be more strongly reflected in the MRSP plan.
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From page 52... ...
52 Mineral Resources and Society
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From page 53... ...
therefore urges the MRSP to build on its existing strengths, such as resource assessments and mineral deposits research, and to apply that knowledge to ensuring a future mineral resource supply for the United States while simultaneously protecting the environment. The pane!
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From page 54... ...
Basic and applied research on mineral deposits is fundamental to the successful design and implementation of field and laboratory techniques under the Mitigation Studies, Assessments, and Resource Investigations Subprograms of the MRSP. Scientific Integrity The USGS has an enviable and well-deserved reputation for an extremely high level of scientific integrity.
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From page 55... ...
However, opportunities must also be made to recruit firstciass personnel in the traditional elements of Mineral-Resource Frontiers and Mineral-Deposit Studies, especially because downsizing and retirements have greatly decreased the number of experts in mineral resources within the USGS (Figure I-11. During the scientific and organizational transitions that are now occurring within the USGS, it would be highly desirable for the MRSP to further strengthen and develop scientific and project relationships with appropriate personnel in the Water Resources and National Mapping Divisions, and in other programs in the Geologic Division, especially the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program.
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From page 56... ...
Suggested charges for the pane! may include helping to establish priorities that would guide project selection, providing guidance regarding directions of the program; identifying linkages with other USGS programs and other federal and state programs; helping to establish performance measurement criteria and an external peer-review system; and helping to maintain awareness and interest on the issues and concerns in the broad community of users.
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From page 57... ...
Similarly, exchanges of MRSP personnel with other units within the USGS, particularly the Water Resources Division and the geologic mapping, energy, and marine and coastal programs in the Geologic Division would foster cooperation and improve overall efficiency. Tntraagency transfers of staff could be user!
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From page 58... ...
finds that fundamental studies (particularly in the Environmental Behavior of Mineral Deposits and the Geochemical Backgrounds and Baselines components of the Mitigation Studies Subprogram) deserve ~ .
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From page 59... ...
With regard to funding, this report addresses the need for maintaining a world-class level of scientific and technical performance. While other federal agencies provide a small amount of support for research on mineral resources, the MRSP is the largest federal program in this area.
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