Media Alert: Low-level flights to image geology over parts of southern Colorado

Flights may resume in Spring 2026 if needed.

The Colorado flights are part of a national effort to map the mineral resources needed to drive the U.S. economy and protect national security, searching below ground and in tailings from old mines. As directed by the Energy Act of 2020, the USGS has identified 50 critical minerals essential to the U.S. economy and national security, with a supply chain vulnerable to disruption.

Instruments on the helicopter will measure variations in the Earth's magnetic field and natural, low-level radiation created by different rock types beneath vegetation and up to several miles below the surface. This information will help researchers develop geologic maps in three dimensions. In addition to critical minerals, applications include evaluating natural resources such as water, preparing for natural hazards such as earthquakes and radon, and characterizing legacy mining areas.

The aircraft will fly along pre-planned fight paths relatively low to the ground at about 300 feet (100 meters) above the surface in some areas. Experienced pilots who are specially trained and approved for low-level flying will operate the aircraft. All flights will occur during daylight hours and are coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure accordance with U.S. law. The ground clearance will be increased to 1,000 feet (300+ meters) over populated areas. The flights will be based out of Fremont County airport near Cañon City, and will fly over the towns of Gardner, Rye, Colorado City, Beulah Valley, Rockvale, Coal Creek, Williamsburg, Florence, Penrose, Brookside, Lincoln Park, Cañon City, Park Center, Goldfield, Victor, Cripple Creek, Midland, Guffey, Cotopaxi, Coaldale, and Howard. Surveying over wilderness areas in the survey block are subject to access permissions with the relevant agencies.

The aircraft will be equipped with an elongated "boom" that extends in front of the main cabin that houses sensors. These scientific instruments are completely passive with no emissions that pose a risk to humans, animals, or plant life. No photography or video data will be collected. The data collected will be made freely available to the public on ScienceBase once complete. The aircraft will be flown by experienced pilots who are specially trained and approved for low-level flying. These pilots work with the FAA to ensure flights are safe and in accordance with U.S. law. The surveys will be conducted during daylight hours only.

The flights could shift to other parts of the survey area as necessitated by adverse flying conditions.

The USGS has contracted with NV5, Edcon-PRJ, and Precision GeoSurveys to collect data.

The survey fits into a broader effort by the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative, the Colorado Geological Survey, and other partners, to modernize our understanding of the Nation's fundamental geologic framework and knowledge of mineral resources. Funding by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has facilitated coverage of such a large area. This effort is known as the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative, and it includes airborne geophysical surveys like this one, geochemical reconnaissance surveys, topographic mapping using LiDAR technology, hyperspectral surveys, and geologic mapping projects.

The helicopter survey will take place within the polygon on the map, including the town of Cañon City, in south-central Colorado. Surveying over wilderness areas in the survey block are subject to access permissions with the relevant agencies.

Photo of the contractor's helicopter with a "boom" containing sensors that measure the magnetic field. (Photo courtesy of Precision GeoSurveys)