The Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) is a program that provides funding to State geological surveys for mine waste inventory and characterization data compilation and acquisition, sampling and mapping efforts in support of ongoing Earth MRI efforts. The program is administered by the Geological Survey, and approximately $5M is available for allocation to USGS Mine Waste cooperative agreements through a competitive proposal process. The earliest project start dates will be after the USGS receives its FY2025 BIL funding, or July 15, 2025, whichever is later. The latest start date is September 30, 2025. All deliverables are due 90 days following the end of the agreement performance period. • The program is open to State geological surveys, and universities may submit proposals on behalf of a State geological survey if the State geological survey is organized under a state university system. • The program aims to support the development of mine waste inventory and characterization data, and to enhance the understanding of mine waste issues. • The program requires proposals to be submitted electronically, and the deadline for submission is May 09, 2025. • The program has a maximum award period of 24 months, and the award ceiling is $356,000. • The program has an award floor of $3,000.