3
and locations shown in Figure 3. Samples represent differ-
ent types of mine features, including low-grade stockpiles,
mine waste rock piles, tailings, and slags, as well as different
deposit types.
METHODS
Inventory and Mapping of Mine Features
An important step in this study is to compile all published
and unpublished data from existing mines and prospects
within the mining districts of New Mexico in order to sum-
marize the mining history and begin the inventory of mine
features in the district. Mineral databases were examined,
including the Mineral Resource Data System (MRDS) of
the USGS, the Minerals Industry Location System (MILS)
of the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM), U.S. Forest Service
Abandoned and Inactive Mines database, and AMLIS
(U.S. Bureau of Land Management, BLM). Published and
unpublished reports and files at the NMBGMR were also
examined. Using these data, mineral occurrences, deposits,
mines, prospects, resources, tailings, and mills were identi-
fied, plotted, and entered in the NMBGMR New Mexico
Mines Database (McLemore et al., 2005a, b McLemore,
2017).
Waste rock piles and tailings were mapped using a
handheld GPS, measuring tape and brunton, and or Lidar.
Sketches of selected mines and associated mine features
were compiled. The primary purpose of the field inventory
was to accurately locate and describe the mine features,
identify those features that required more detailed map-
ping, and identify those features suitable for sampling.
Project Databases
Databases were developed for this project (McLemore et al.,
2022). Initially, data were collected and stored in MS Access
databases. During the course of the project, to increase reli-
ability, efficiency and security, data were migrated to MS
SQL Server (SQLS) and the Access “front end” forms
were reworked to connect to the external database server.
Locational and other information of photographs taken in
the field, thin sections, and hand samples are recorded in
the SQLS database. Location and descriptions of samples
referred to in this report are in the SQLS database.
Figure 2. Periodic table showing critical minerals in New Mexico. Copper (Cu) was added as a critical mineral in 2023 by the
Department of Energy (DOE)
and locations shown in Figure 3. Samples represent differ-
ent types of mine features, including low-grade stockpiles,
mine waste rock piles, tailings, and slags, as well as different
deposit types.
METHODS
Inventory and Mapping of Mine Features
An important step in this study is to compile all published
and unpublished data from existing mines and prospects
within the mining districts of New Mexico in order to sum-
marize the mining history and begin the inventory of mine
features in the district. Mineral databases were examined,
including the Mineral Resource Data System (MRDS) of
the USGS, the Minerals Industry Location System (MILS)
of the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM), U.S. Forest Service
Abandoned and Inactive Mines database, and AMLIS
(U.S. Bureau of Land Management, BLM). Published and
unpublished reports and files at the NMBGMR were also
examined. Using these data, mineral occurrences, deposits,
mines, prospects, resources, tailings, and mills were identi-
fied, plotted, and entered in the NMBGMR New Mexico
Mines Database (McLemore et al., 2005a, b McLemore,
2017).
Waste rock piles and tailings were mapped using a
handheld GPS, measuring tape and brunton, and or Lidar.
Sketches of selected mines and associated mine features
were compiled. The primary purpose of the field inventory
was to accurately locate and describe the mine features,
identify those features that required more detailed map-
ping, and identify those features suitable for sampling.
Project Databases
Databases were developed for this project (McLemore et al.,
2022). Initially, data were collected and stored in MS Access
databases. During the course of the project, to increase reli-
ability, efficiency and security, data were migrated to MS
SQL Server (SQLS) and the Access “front end” forms
were reworked to connect to the external database server.
Locational and other information of photographs taken in
the field, thin sections, and hand samples are recorded in
the SQLS database. Location and descriptions of samples
referred to in this report are in the SQLS database.
Figure 2. Periodic table showing critical minerals in New Mexico. Copper (Cu) was added as a critical mineral in 2023 by the
Department of Energy (DOE)