Exploration Resources
The following resources provide useful data, tools, and information for mineral exploration, geological research, and industry analysis. These links are commonly used by geologists, exploration companies, and investors to evaluate mineral potential and monitor developments within the mining sector.
Geological Data & Mapping
United States Geological Survey (USGS)
The USGS provides extensive geological maps, mineral resource data, satellite imagery, and scientific publications covering geology and mineral systems across the United States.
USGS Mineral Resources Data System (MRDS)
A comprehensive database of known mineral deposits, mines, and occurrences worldwide. Useful for researching historic mining activity and regional mineralization trends.
USGS EarthExplorer
https://earthexplorer.usgs.gov
EarthExplorer allows users to download satellite imagery, aerial photography, and digital elevation models (DEM) used in geological mapping and terrain analysis.
National Geologic Map Database
A searchable catalog of geologic maps produced by the USGS and state geological surveys. An essential resource for regional geological interpretation.
State Geological Surveys
Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (NBMG)
Provides geological maps, mining reports, geophysical datasets, and research publications focused on Nevada’s geology and mineral resources.
New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources
The official geological survey for New Mexico, offering geological maps, mineral resource data, research publications, and geologic hazard information.
Mining Claims & Land Management
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) MLRS System
The Mineral & Land Records System allows users to search active mining claims and mineral rights on federal land across the United States.
BLM LR2000 Legacy Reports
Archive of legacy BLM land and mining claim reports, useful for historical claim research.
Mineral Exploration & Mining Industry News
Junior Mining Network
https://www.juniorminingnetwork.com
A leading platform focused on junior mining companies, exploration project updates, company press releases, and industry news. Widely used by investors and industry professionals to track early-stage exploration and development companies.
Mining.com
One of the largest global news sources covering mining industry developments, commodity markets, exploration projects, and corporate activity.
The Northern Miner
Industry publication focused on exploration, mining projects, and mineral resource development worldwide.
Kitco Mining News
Provides mining industry updates along with coverage of precious metals markets including gold and silver.
Commodity Prices
Kitco Gold Price
https://www.kitco.com/gold-price-today-usa/
Real-time gold price charts and historical market data.
Kitco Silver Price
https://www.kitco.com/silver-price-today-usa/
Live silver price charts and market information.
Geological & Exploration Software
QGIS
A free and open-source Geographic Information System used for geological mapping, spatial analysis, and exploration data visualization.
Google Earth Pro
https://www.google.com/earth/versions/
A widely used mapping platform for visualizing satellite imagery, terrain, and geological features.
Leapfrog Geo
https://www.seequent.com/products-solutions/leapfrog-geo/
Industry-leading 3D geological modeling software used for building subsurface geological models from drilling and exploration data.
Satellite & Remote Sensing Data
NASA Earthdata
Provides access to satellite datasets useful for geological mapping, remote sensing analysis, and environmental monitoring.
Sentinel Satellite Data
https://scihub.copernicus.eu
European Space Agency satellite imagery useful for terrain analysis, geological mapping, and environmental monitoring.
Why These Resources Matter
Modern mineral exploration relies on the integration of geological mapping, geophysical datasets, satellite imagery, and historical mining records. These resources provide geologists and exploration teams with critical data used to evaluate mineral potential and develop exploration strategies.
Central Nevada Exploration Projects
“Projects listed below are provided for regional context and are not affiliated with Unhinged Geology unless otherwise noted.”
Central Nevada has emerged as one of North America's most active mineral exploration regions, driven by lithium demand, renewed interest in epithermal precious metal systems, and the long-recognized potential of the Walker Lane structural corridor. Numerous exploration companies are currently advancing projects across the Tonopah region and surrounding basins.
Below is a list of notable companies actively exploring in Central Nevada.
Lithium Exploration Companies
American Lithium
Project: TLC Project (Tonopah Lithium Claims)
Deposit Type: Lithium claystone
Location: Northwest of Tonopah
Notes: One of the largest lithium claystone resources in the United States.
Century Lithium
Project: Angel Island Project
Deposit Type: Lithium claystone
Location: Clayton Valley
Notes: Advanced-stage lithium project with pilot plant testing.
Ioneer
Project: Rhyolite Ridge
Deposit Type: Lithium-boron deposit
Location: Esmeralda County
Notes: One of the most advanced lithium development projects in the United States.
Nevada Lithium Resources
Project: Bonnie Claire Project
Deposit Type: Lithium claystone
Location: Sarcobatus Valley
Notes: Large claystone lithium system with ongoing exploration.
American Battery Technology Company
Project: Tonopah Flats Lithium Project
Deposit Type: Lithium claystone
Location: Big Smoky Valley
Notes: Integrated lithium developer focusing on extraction and battery recycling.
Canter Resources
Project: Columbus Lithium Project
Deposit Type: Lithium claystone
Location: Columbus Salt Marsh basin
Notes: Emerging lithium explorer targeting basin-hosted lithium.
Lida Valley Lithium
Project: Lida Valley Lithium Project
Deposit Type: Lithium claystone / basin-hosted lithium
Location: Lida Valley, Esmeralda County, Nevada, south of Goldfield and within the broader Central Nevada lithium exploration corridor
Notes: Emerging lithium exploration project targeting clay-rich basin sediments in a highly active Nevada lithium district. The project sits within a region that has attracted growing interest due to its proximity to several major lithium exploration and development projects in west-central Nevada.
Gold & Silver Exploration Companies
Silver47 Exploration
Project: Hughes Project
Deposit Type: High-grade epithermal silver-gold
Location: Tonopah Mining District
Notes: Drilling historic veins around the Tonopah silver district.
Blackrock Silver
Project: Tonopah West
Deposit Type: High-grade silver-gold veins
Location: Tonopah district
Notes: Major new silver discovery adjacent to historic Tonopah mines.
“Projects listed above are provided for regional context and are not affiliated with Unhinged Geology unless otherwise noted.”