Lite Geology

The San Juan Basin is a large, asymmetrical structure in northwestern New Mexico and southern Colorado known for its abundant coal, oil, uranium, and natural gas reserves. The basin ranks second in the contiguous United States in natural gas reserves and second after Wyoming in uranium reserves. The focus of Lite Geology volume 54 is critical minerals and mining in the San Juan Basin. Aluminum, a critical metal found in ores called bauxites, is valued for its ductility, durability, and low density. Our first article describes ongoing research at New Mexico Tech (NMT) to investigate new ways to extract aluminum from New Mexico bauxites. San Juan Basin Cretaceous heavy-mineral sandstones contain significant coal, uranium, petroleum, and natural gas resources, and some of these deposits are radioactive due to elevated amounts of uranium and thorium. Our second article discusses research to analyze the content of these heavy-mineral sandstones and map these deposits in the San Juan Basin. Our third article describes the relationship between San Juan Basin clinkers, critical minerals, and coal seams. Our activity pages include an overview of the San Juan Basin with a word search. We’ve also added a San Juan Basin crossword puzzle for your enjoyment. In our “Through the Hand Lens” segment, New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources (NMBGMR) Senior Economic Geologist Dr. Virginia McLemore shares stories from her career and relates her perspective on the importance of science education.

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