About NBMG

Our Mission

The Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (NBMG) is a research and public service unit of the
University of Nevada and is the state geological survey. NBMG scientists conduct research and
publish reports on mineral resources, engineering geology, environmental geology, hydrogeology,
and geologic mapping.

Current activities in geologic mapping and mineral resources include detailed geologic mapping
and stratigraphic studies in Nevada, comparative studies of bulk-mineable precious-metal
deposits, geochemical investigations of mining districts, metallic and industrial mineral resource
assessments, igneous petrologic studies, hydrothermal experiments, and research on the origin
of mineral deposits.

Engineering geology, environmental geology, and hydrogeology projects include investigations
of earthquake hazards and related aspects of neotectonics, examination of geological issues
involved in disposing nuclear and hazardous wastes, mapping of geomorphic features, radon
hazard studies, studies of landslide hazards, geochemical characterization of natural enviro-
nmental hazards, investigations of the fate of mercury from processing Comstock ores by
amalgamation in late 1800s, and investigation of land subsidence, primarily in Las Vegas Valley.

Earth science education projects include writing guidebooks for laymen, teachers, and students;
presenting lectures, short courses, and workshops; and assisting with science fairs, curriculum
development, and conferences. Geologic and geographic information activities include creating
and updating databases on mining districts, active mines and prospects, and geothermal and
petroleum exploration and production; implementation and development of statewide geographic
information systems and the digital maps needed for these systems; and maintenance of core and
cuttings facilities, rock and mineral collections for research, aerial photographic imagery and maps,
and extensive files on Nevada geology and resources.

NBMG cooperates with numerous state and federal agencies in conducting research and in providing geologic and resource information. Research results are published as NBMG bulletins, reports, maps, and special publications as well as in federal publications and scientific journals. In addition to addressing the needs for geologic information by conducting research, publishing reports and maps, and creating computer databases, staff members assist the public, industry, and government agencies by answering specific questions regarding Nevada geology and resources and by providing some chemical and mineralogical analyses.