USGS Mineral Resources program to be cut by half

The USGS Budget in Brief report describes a 49% cut in the President's budget for the Mineral Resources program:

The 2009 budget continues to refocus the Mineral Resources
program on activities that are inherently governmental.
In 2009, the budget includes $26.3 million for the
Minerals Program, a decrease of $25.4 million below the
2008 enacted budget. In 2009, USGS will continue selected
minerals surveys and studies that are relevant to ongoing
Departmental land management requirements.