MBMG geologists mapping near Baldy Lake.
MBMG geologists hiking on Red Mountain.
Sunset at the Anselmo Mine Yard. Photo by Kyle Eastman.
UM Western hydrology student field trip with MBMG hydrogeologists. Photo by Kim Giannone.
Lower Minor Lake in the Beaverhead Mountains. Photo by Jenna Dohman.
Boulder Batholith field trip.
Medicine Lake Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Sara Edinberg.
Our mission is to provide information for the sound use of Montana’s geological and water resources.
Our vision is to be Montana’s lead source of geologic and water information.
As a non-regulatory State agency within the Montana University System, we serve as Montana’s geologic survey, addressing topics ranging from earthquake monitoring and geologic mapping to energy development and groundwater. We are housed on the campus of Montana Technological University and maintain a fully staffed office in Billings.
Learn more about the MBMGCurrent Events/Featured Topics
Dinosaurs of Montana
Anyone interested in dinosaurs has likely heard of Jack Horner, the famous Montana paleontologist who consulted on the Jurassic Park movies. Dr. Horner has now teamed up with geologist and paleontologist Dr. Raymond Rogers, and the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, to publish a foundational new book, Dinosaurs of Montana (MBMG Memoir 70). Dinosaurs of Montana is part history of dinosaur discoveries, part geology, part categorical listing of Montana species, and part memoir, filled with photos from throughout the years of discovery and original art. From the Preface: "Dinosaurs of Montana is personal, grounded, and packed with the kind of hard-earned insights that come only from years doing the work, walking in the footsteps of those who came before, and looking at the same old rocks and bones with brand-new eyes. If you’ve ever stood in awe before a dinosaur skeleton and wondered where it came from—really came from—this is the book for you."
Dinosaurs of Montana is available for purchase in a bound softcover edition ($20) (or call 406-496-4180).
A limited edition hardbound copy ($30) will only be available at the official launch of the book (and after, as supplies last), on December 16th in the Montana Tech Library Auditorium. Both Dr. Horner and Dr. Rogers will speak and sign copies at that event.
2025 MBMG Calendar
The 2025 MBMG calendar, featuring the Montana Tech Mineral Museum, is now available for sale!
MBMG Outreach Video: What do we do?
Learn about the MBMG’s mission and some of our current projects, direct from our scientists.
Managed Aquifer Recharge in Montana: New publication and app
The MBMG recently published a screening study on the potential for managed aquifer recharge (MAR) in Montana. MAR is a method of intentionally recharging groundwater for later use, either through surface infiltration or by injecting water into the subsurface and recovering it during times of need. This study determines locations across the state that appear suitable for MAR surface infiltration methods based on the hydrogeology. Explore this study from the Web Application or the MBMG publication page.
MBMG research into critical minerals in Montana
Watch our video exploring the ongoing MBMG research into critical minerals in Montana.
The MBMG GIS Data Hub
The MBMG GIS Data Hub Site is our newly developed interactive web platform for everyone to explore our web maps and analytical web applications. The Hub Site will also provide the download links for GIS data of interest via individual web applications. Geology, geohazards, water resources, environmental studies, energy resources, and mineral resources GIS data is all available via the GIS Hub Site.
