There is a long-held simple statement that describes how or where to find minerals like gold and silver: It is where you find it. The United States Geological Survey was initiated in 1879, the year Aspen began, with the goal of investigating, inventorying and mapping America’s vast public lands and included a focus on mineral sites and potential sites. Combined, they hope to identify potential sites for critical minerals, like copper and aluminum. Hayden’s work preceded the formation of the USGS, but the USGS was founded because he and others, like Jerome Powell, had compiled information and mapping that was already identifying potential mineral sites. It will be interesting what mineral sites are identified as worth exploring.