By Scout Nelson
In 1820, explorer Stephen H. Long labeled the High Plains as the “Great American Desert.” At the time, “desert” simply meant treeless. He believed the region was unsuitable for farming or settlement. Today, that conclusion is clearly mistaken. North Dakota has become a top agricultural state, producing cattle, wheat, soybeans, and sunflowers. But there’s more than just crops beneath its soil.
On July 3, 1895, the North Dakota State Legislature formed the North Dakota Geological Survey (NDGS). The NDGS was tasked with studying the state's natural resources—including coal, mineral water, and useful materials like clay and building stones.
Throughout the early 20th century, the NDGS published reports and maps about water and mineral resources. When oil was discovered in the state, the Survey shifted its focus to petroleum geology, helping regulate oil drilling and exploration.
In recent years, attention has turned to rare earth elements. These 17 elements are vital to many modern devices like smartphones, electric cars, wind turbines, and flat-screen TVs. Without them, much of today’s technology wouldn’t function.
Recognizing their importance, the NDGS launched a rare earth investigation project in 2014. A full survey began in 2015, and since then, reports have confirmed the presence of rare earth minerals in North Dakota. Several companies are now exploring how to extract these valuable resources.
If successful, rare earth mining could greatly strengthen North Dakota’s economy and help reduce the country’s dependence on foreign sources.
As NDGS continues its scientific work, it plays a vital role in both agriculture and industry—proving that what once seemed barren land is now a source of food, energy, and high-tech materials.
Photo Credit: istock-oticki
Categories: North Dakota, Business