Bio

Peter G. Chirico, Ph.D. is a geomorphologist and remote sensing specialist with more than 30 years of experience applying geoscience and geospatial technologies to mineral resource, mining, environmental, and development challenges worldwide. He serves as Associate Science Center Director of the U.S. Geological Survey's Florence Bascom Geoscience Center and leads the USGS Special Geologic Studies activities. Dr. Chirico's research focuses on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), critical minerals, conflict minerals, geomorphology, and the application of satellite remote sensing and geospatial analysis to complex resource-management challenges. Over the past three decades, Dr. Chirico has conducted research and technical assistance activities throughout Africa, South America, the Middle East, and Asia. His work has focused on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), conflict minerals, critical minerals, mineral supply chains, and the use of satellite remote sensing and geospatial analysis to better understand mining activities and their environmental and socioeconomic impacts. He has also served as a Scientific and Technical Advisor to the U.S. Department of State on issues related to conflict minerals. His current work includes mapping and monitoring ASM activities, evaluating critical mineral resources, developing geospatial methods for assessing mining impacts, and integrating earth science data into policy and development decision-making. Dr. Chirico holds a Ph.D. in Geography and Environmental Systems from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, an M.A. in Geography from the University of South Carolina, and a B.A. in Geography from University of Mary Washington.

Resource Library Contributions

Alluvial Diamond Resource Potential and Production Capacity Assessment of the Central African Republic

Author: Dr. Peter George Chirico
Publisher: USGS
Publication Year: 2010

In May of 2000, a meeting was convened in Kimberley, South Africa, and attended by representatives of the diamond industry and leaders of African governments to develop a certification process intended to assure that rough, exported diamonds were free of conflict concerns. This meeting was supported later in 2000 by the Uni...