Burger, M.H., Schmeda, G., Long, K.R., Reyes, T.A., and Karl. N.A., 2018, Cobalt Deposits in the United States: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9V74HIU.
This dataset is part of an ongoing effort by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to understand the attributes and geologic distribution of critical mineral resources, both globally, and in particular, in the United States. The United States continues to become more dependent on imports to meet the domestic demands for an increasing number of mineral commodities. Many mineral commodities are now produced primarily or entirely outside of the United States, creating the potential for supply interruptions in the foreseeable future, or in the long term. These important but highly dependent mineral commodities are deemed critical and (or) strategic resources. Cobalt represents a prime example of a critical mineral resource. Cobalt is primarily used in cathodes for rechargeable batteries and in superalloys for jet turbine engines. Most cobalt is mined as a byproduct of copper or nickel, and recently cobalt prices have increased due to strong demand and limited availability. In some cases, there are possible substitutions for cobalt, however, in many applications, substitution would result in loss of performance. This dataset was compiled to provide base layers of information that identify and describe the known cobalt occurrences in the United States and its territories. This compilation is intended to contribute to our geologic understanding of cobalt deposits in the United States, and to assist in evaluating their resource potential. Ludington, S., Haxel, G.B., Castor, S.B., McLaurin, B.T., and Flynn, K.S., 2006, Mineral Resource Assessment of Selected Areas in Clark and Nye Counties, Nevada: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2006-5197- C, 55 p. Miller, Ralph LeRoy, 1945, Geology of the Katahdin pyrrhotite deposit and vicinity, Piscataquis County, Maine: Maine Geological Survey (Maine Development Commission), Bulletin 2, 21 p., illus. incl. index, geologic maps. Maine Geological Survey Publications., accessed May 16, 2018, at http://digitalmaine.com/mgs_publications/3
