Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning metals and non-metals miners, explorers and prospectors. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Dates: 2025-07-06 to 2025-07-12

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 📱 Public Officials' Social Media
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

Federal Ministers Advance Critical Minerals, Regulatory Certainty, and Geoscience Data Sharing at Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference

At the conclusion of the Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference in Charlottetown on July 11, Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson confirmed that all federal, provincial, and territorial ministers reached consensus on advancing several priority areas for Canada’s resource sector. Key outcomes include progress on the 'one project, one review' approach to reduce regulatory duplication, new efforts to build national infrastructure, and an agreement to identify priority projects for the Critical Minerals Production Alliance. The recently passed One Canadian Economy Act was highlighted as a legislative step intended to bolster Canadian productivity, competitiveness, and regulatory certainty. Delegates also confirmed plans to use artificial intelligence to strengthen Canada’s geoscience data assets, aiming to support mineral exploration and attract capital. A pilot project with the Northwest Territories will digitize and analyze drill core data to facilitate critical mineral development in the Slave Geological Province. Work is also underway with British Columbia and Ontario on data digitization. The federal government acknowledged ongoing US tariffs as a disruptor but signaled confidence in the strategic value of domestic energy and minerals during a period of renewed global supply chain volatility. Ministers intend to reconvene in the fall to monitor progress on designating projects of national interest under the new Act.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

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Indigenous Leadership and Resource Devolution in Nunavut

On July 9, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty, Northern and Arctic Affairs Minister Rebecca Chartrand, and Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty marked Nunavut Day with a joint statement on the progress of the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement. The agreement, one of the largest land transfers in Canadian history, positions Nunavummiut to gain greater control over regional land, water, and natural resources, as well as a larger share of economic benefit from responsible development. The federal government confirmed ongoing collaboration with the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated for full implementation.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Ministers Hold Media Availabilities on Energy Investment and Conference Outcomes

Minister Hodgson and Prince Edward Island's Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, Gilles Arsenault, convened a joint media availability in Charlottetown to conclude the EMMC on July 11. Later the same day, Minister Hodgson announced planned energy investments for Atlantic Canada, with industry representatives present. Accredited media were instructed to pre-register for participation, and details were provided through formal Canada.ca channels.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

US Federal GR News

NOAA Proposes Major Overhaul of Deep Seabed Mining Regulations

On July 7, NOAA published a proposed rule to revise regulations governing exploration license and commercial recovery permit applications for polymetallic nodule mining in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The rule would introduce an optional consolidated process for simultaneous application and review, potentially reducing the typical regulatory timeline and administrative duplication. Application fees for consolidated permits would rise to $350,000, reflecting inflation since the fee was last set, but analysis shows that cost savings and process efficiencies are expected. NOAA’s proposal responds to advances in mining technology and the need for regulatory clarity amid increased technical and commercial interest. The agency is soliciting public comments until September 5 and will hold a virtual public hearing to gather additional input.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Trump Administration Ends Federal Subsidies for Wind and Solar; Launches National Energy Dominance Council

President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order eliminating federal subsidies for wind and solar power as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, according to a July 7 White House fact sheet. The order terminates clean electricity tax credits, ends preferential regulatory treatment for renewables, and imposes tighter restrictions on supply chain entities of concern. The administration states that the policy shift favors nuclear and fossil energy sources and was accompanied by a declaration of a National Energy Emergency to remove regulatory barriers deemed to impede domestic production. A new National Energy Dominance Council has been established to coordinate deregulatory actions and promote private investment across the sector. The administration’s stated objectives include job creation, expansion of reliable energy sources, and reduced dependency on foreign-controlled supply chains.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

US Bureau of Land Management Launches Resource Plan Amendments for Federal Coal Leasing in Montana and Wyoming

On July 8, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) opened public scoping for amendments to the Resource Management Plans (RMPs) for the Buffalo Field Office, Wyoming. The review covers approximately 496,314 surface acres and 481,000 acres of federal coal mineral estate, with public comments on coal allocations and resource data open until August 7. Alternatives presented include maintaining a zero-acre coal leasing provision or restoring leasing availability to 481,000 acres, based on previous RMP decisions. The process is intended to ensure regulatory compliance with NEPA and other federal statutes, and to solicit input from industry, government entities, and Tribes on development potential, surface resource considerations, and multiple-use scenarios.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Schedules Environmental Assessment for Longwall Mining Pipeline Project

On July 8, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) announced the timeline for preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Longwall Mining Panel M1 Project in Greene County, Pennsylvania. The project involves excavation, elevation, and rerouting of natural gas pipelines to facilitate subsurface mining activities, with segments up to 8,500 feet in length. The EA release is scheduled for October 10, 2025, followed by a 90-day federal authorization window. FERC noted environmental subsidence concerns raised by the EPA and outlined public and agency procedures for future input as part of the permitting process.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Federal Mine Safety Commission Hearings Update on Safeguard Notice Enforcement

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission announced July 8 it will conduct open hearings on July 31 concerning the Secretary of Labor v. GMS Mine Repair & Maintenance, Inc. case. Key matters involve the enforceability of safeguard notices and the legal standards governing violations. The Commission invited public listening and provided information for accessibility accommodations. A closed meeting on July 9, reported July 11, addressed internal briefings related to active litigation.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Canadian Provincial GR News

British Columbia Celebrates Dome Mountain Gold Mine Opening Under Industry-Government Partnership

BC’s Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, Jagrup Brar, marked the official commencement of operations at Dome Mountain gold mine, citing local job creation and the use of innovative waste-storage systems. The mine’s approval was the first under the Lake Babine Nation Foundation Agreement.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Saskatchewan Expands Mineral Exploration Incentive to Early-Stage Activities

Saskatchewan extended its Targeted Mineral Exploration Incentive (TMEI) on July 9 to include ground and borehole geophysical surveys and pre-sampling activities, aiming to increase early exploration and make it easier for junior companies to raise capital.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Energy and Mines Ministers' Conference Highlights Provincial Role in Export Capacity

Saskatchewan’s Minister of Energy and Resources, Colleen Young, attended the EMMC in Charlottetown, calling for efficient federal processes, investment in trade infrastructure, and expedited nuclear licensing as means to reach global markets.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Ontario Invests $9.2 Million in Indigenous Economic Development Initiatives

Ontario will fund up to 39 Indigenous-led projects in 2025 with grants designed to support entrepreneurship, community infrastructure, and job creation, including partnerships for new commercial service developments in Vermilion Bay.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Nova Scotia Issues Offshore Natural Gas Exploration Bid Call

On July 7, the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator initiated a call for bids covering 13 parcels on the Scotian Shelf, opening investment opportunities in natural gas exploration. The bid deadline is April 28, 2026, and successful applicants will follow a two-step licensing process for commercial development.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Senator Kim Pate posted on July 9 that Nunavut’s role is central as climate change intensifies, drawing attention to environmental stewardship and Canada’s sovereignty in the High North.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• ReElement Technologies Launches Urban Mining-to-Magnet Tolling Service for 99.5%+ Separated Rare Earth Oxides: ReElement Technologies unveiled a service delivering rare earth oxides for magnet production from urban mining sources.
• Class 1 Nickel Commences 2025 Exploration Program at the River Valley PGE-Cu-Ni Project, Ontario, Canada: Class 1 Nickel has launched early exploration works at the River Valley project in Ontario.