Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology

06/23/2026

The MBMG's GIS department and Geohazards group recently collaborated to create a new web portal showing geohazards data of Montana. You can find locations of recent and historic earthquakes monitored by the MBMG’s Montana Regional Seismic Network. In addition to earthquakes, the app also shows data of Quaternary faults, landslides, wildfires, and more.
Check out the Geohazards Portal here:
https://gis-data-hub-mbmg.hub.arcgis.com/apps/fd6dff1b18b04d8a85978614d11ad8a0/explore

06/22/2026

Missed our seminar mini series? Now you can watch some of the presentations online!

In this replay, exploration geologist Paul Bartos compares gold-rich and gold-poor quartz-base metal veins in the Western San Juan Mountains, Colorado.

With over 40 years of exploration experience and seven discoveries across Latin America and Nevada, Paul brings invaluable insights into ore deposit geology and exploration strategies for precious metals.

Watch the recording here: https://youtu.be/EVhzcTzRGPY?si=qidzx4J4IUoAYWw2

A recording of the MBMG Seminar talk with Paul J. Bartos, an exploration geologist, principally exploring for gold and silver, for over 40 years. He has part...

06/16/2026

A few of our hydrogeology team members recently completed field training with the Montana DNRC in Helena!

The day included learning different ways to measure how much water is flowing in streams - from flumes and weirs to acoustic doppler current profilers. We also heard from a local landowner in Townsend about different irrigation methods.

06/10/2026

Major news for the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology! Our Anaconda Research Collection is now an official International Commission on Geoheritage Geo-collection - one of only 32 in the entire world!

This recognition acknowledges the global scientific, historical, and educational significance of our collection.

Here's why this matters: These rock and mineral samples were collected from Montana mines between 1940 and 1981. Many of those mines don't exist anymore - they're flooded, collapsed, or no longer accessible. So in many cases, these samples are basically the only geological records left of that era of Montana's incredible mining history.

06/08/2026

Today, our team at the MBMG remembers the Granite Mountain Speculator Disaster and those affected by this tragic event in Montana's mining history.

Our Archives team has put together a free pamphlet honoring the history and the people connected to this disaster - both those we lost and those who survived. Pick up a copy at our Publications office or the Mineral Museum at Montana Technological University .

Preserving these stories is part of understanding Montana's past. They deserve to be remembered.

06/04/2026

Montana Seismic Activity Roundup for May 2026!

May was a little shakier than April, with 148 earthquakes in Montana this month! The largest had a magnitude of 3.2, southwest of Dillon.

Wondering what you're looking at?
--- Circle size = magnitude
--- Circle color = depth

Montana averages 7-10 small earthquakes every day, so this is just another month of normal seismic activity in the state.

Want to know if there are active faults or earthquakes near you? Check out the "Geohazards / Earthquake Studies" section of our website under Montana Geology!

Data: MBMG & USGS Earthquake Hazards Program

06/02/2026

from the Blackfoot River

📍Western Montana

From quiet back channels to powerful floodwaters, this river is constantly shaping Montana’s landscape — one rock at a time.

Swipe through, then explore this geosite for yourself in 360° on our YouTube channel! - https://youtu.be/e1_JksdFsXQ?si=AAT1IjUAoW3MakkF

Visit Montana

05/28/2026

Last week, MBMG Billings staff Elizabeth Meredith and Ryan Davison attended a roundtable with Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Curt Coccodrilli and State, Tribal, labor, and industry leaders to discuss coal exports, infrastructure, workforce needs, and America’s growing energy demand.

The roundtable highlighted the important role Montana coal producers play in supporting export markets, industrial growth, and reliable energy production at home and abroad.

Former MBMG Director John Metesh, currently the Executive Director of Critical Materials Initiatives at Montana Tech, also attended.

05/15/2026

🚨 This weekend! 🚨

Looking for something fun to do for the whole family? Be sure to stop by the annual Butte Mineral and Gem Show!

There will be amazing displays, rocks for sale to add to your own collection, and more! This is a great event that you don't want to miss!

🗓️ May 16 & 17
📍 Butte Civic Center

Visit Butte Montana

05/12/2026

Water shortages in Fairfield have been making headlines, and our MBMG GWIP team has been studying why.

What's Happening: The aquifer that supplies drinking water to the Fairfield region depends heavily on irrigation water to recharge. When snowpack is low and irrigation seasons are shorter, groundwater levels drop, creating water supply challenges for homes and schools.

It's a complicated connection between irrigation, groundwater, and drinking water that shows how interconnected Montana's water systems really are. Our research helps communities understand these relationships and plan for the future.

Learn more about the project and study here: https://www.mbmg.mtech.edu/WaterEnvironment/GWIP/ProjectUpdate.asp?projectid=GWIPGF&&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZGJZT0RLNEgwUGxBVUFmNXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4zCcktCQpesu0WBuYGDiHbt8zIc_h3CnVjrLiCSF6v_lpa_N5ygaXn8H09lA_aem_Oeg_IXKtVLmyMt4C4cNbQw .tab=0

Read the full article and video from KRTV Great Falls here: https://www.krtv.com/news/montana-and-regional-news/water-shortage-worsens-in-fairfield-prompting-emergency-response-at-schools