NOTICE: Due to recent budget and staff reductions, the Division of Geology and Mineral Resources must close the Publication Sales Office effective December 15, 2008. Over-the-counter sales and requests placed by telephone order will be suspended until further notice. Our maps and publications remain available for purchase from the DMME Web Store. We sincerely apologize to our highly valued customers that may be inconvenienced by the closure of the sales office.

The Division of Mineral Resources Has a New Name

The Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy’s Division of Mineral Resources is changing its name to the Division of Geology and Mineral Resources.  This change, authorized in Chapter 369 of the 2008 Acts of the Virginia General Assembly, is effective as of July 1, 2008.

Virginia’s geological survey has proudly served the citizens of the Commonwealth under a variety of names since its inception in 1835 and its rebirth in 1908.   From 1948 to 1957, the organization resided in the Virginia Department of Conservation and Development and was referred to as the Division of Geology.   In 1957, the Division of Mineral Resources was established in that same department, with the specific focus of encouraging the establishment and expansion of mineral industries in Virginia.  Later that year, the Division of Geology was absorbed into the new Division of Mineral Resources.  With that merger, the Division of Mineral Resources assumed the role of Virginia’s geological survey, with its director designated as the State Geologist.  

In 2007, while Virginia publicly celebrated the 400th anniversary of the establishment of Jamestown, the Division of Mineral Resources quietly marked its 50th anniversary.  Most of the Division’s customers and partners who have interacted frequently with the organization over the past 50 years have recognized our role as Virginia’s geological survey.  However, with the rapid growth of internet-based searches for information, we are increasingly exposed to a more global audience.  We believe that our name change will better reflect our broad geologic focus and make it easier for new customers to find us.

The Division of Geology and Mineral Resources will continue to provide the high level of accurate, current, and relevant information and services to which our customers have become accustomed.  We are working hard to improve and expand online accessibility to our extensive archives, databases, and publications.  As we progress, we welcome your comments and suggestions for further improvements and we look forward to serving you during the next 50 years.