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Learn About Michigan Geology and Natural Resources
Learn About Michigan Geology and Natural Resources
Michigan’s two peninsulas are shaped at the surface by glaciers and within the sub surface geology there are a many unique and valuable natural resources.
- The metamorphic and igneous rocks in Michigan’s upper peninsula are among the oldest in the world and have a long history of mining, which includes production of both ferrous minerals (Iron Ore) and non-ferrous metallic minerals (Copper, Nickel, Silver and Gold).
- Sedimentary rocks (Limestone, Dolomite, and Sandstone) within the Michigan Basin are quarried for use as dimension stone, aggregates, and within the cement manufacturing industry.
- Gypsum deposits are mined in Michigan for use as a fertilizer and as the main constituent of drywall and plaster.
- Rock salt is mined under the city of Detroit and Brines are produced from wells throughout Michigan’s lower peninsula for use as dust and ice control on roads and within a variety of chemical, manufacturing, and fertilizer industries.
- Oil and natural gas deposits are found throughout Michigan’s lower peninsula and have been produced commercially since 1925. Depleted oil and gas fields and solution mined salt caverns are used extensively in Michigan as natural gas and liquified petroleum gas storage reservoirs.
- Michigan glacial deposits contain significant sand and gravel which is quarried and mined for use in construction, roads, and manufacturing.
EGLE’s Oil, Gas, and Minerals Division (OGMD) regulates many of these extractive industries to assure that development is done in manner that conserves natural resources and protects public health, safety, and the environment. For more information about Michigan Geology and the programs regulated by the OGMD, please click on the links below.
MI EnviroMinute: Michigan Geology
Got a minute? Learn about the land beneath every Michigander's feet - it's geology and what makes it so unique. In 60 seconds, discover more about the rocks that make up Michigan and about the Michigan Basin!;
Oils, Gas, and Minerals in Michigan
We regulate several industries in Michigan including dunes, oils, gas, minerals, drilling and more.
Searchable Geologic catalog
A listing of publications about Michigan Geology and other resources.
"Rock Library"
Like other state and federal collections, the Upper Peninsula Geological Repository is essentially a "rock library," in which samples are organized and made available upon request to researchers to conduct geologic studies.
GeoWebFace
This is a free set of tools that provides a wide array of geologic information for natural resource management, educational and general interests. Additional programs are not needed but can be added to suit individual needs. It can be accessed by anyone, at anytime, anywhere the web is available.
This is one of the largest publicly accessible record sets in Michigan. When you access the application, the next step may not be obvious. We recommend reviewing the user guide before diving in.
Michigan Geologic Survey
For information on geological mapping and applied research activities, visit the Michigan Geological Survey.
The Oil, Gas, and Minerals Division (OGMD) was previously named the Office of Geological Survey (OGS). In addition to our regulatory duties, the OGS was responsible for geological mapping and applied research. In October 2011, an act of the Legislature renamed the OGS and established a new Michigan Geological Survey as part of Western Michigan University and transferred the mapping and research responsibilities to the new organization.
As part of the transfer of geological mapping and applied research, the Michigan Geological Survey will submit an annual report to EGLE; those reports are posted on their webpage.