This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning metals and non-metals miners, explorers and prospectors. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Dates: 2026-03-22 to 2026-03-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

EPA Proposed Rule: Scrap Tires as Non-Waste Fuel in Cement Kilns

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing amendments to NHSM regulations defining scrap tires, including abandoned tires recovered for use as fuel in cement kilns, as a categorical non-waste fuel. The proposal revises the definition of 'established tire collection program' to include recovered abandoned tires, reducing the need for shredding and dewiring before combustion. EPA expects these changes to provide regulatory consistency and cost savings of $11.6 to $19.2 million annually by facilitating tire pile cleanups and reducing processing requirements. Public comments are open until May 22, 2026, via regulations.gov or mail. The proposed rule is intended to conserve resources such as coal and iron and address health and environmental risks tied to tire piles.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NRC Issues Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has released a draft Environmental Impact Statement for Global Laser Enrichment, LLC’s license application to construct and operate the Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility in Kentucky. The facility is designed to enrich uranium, including depleted uranium hexafluoride and natural-grade uranium hexafluoride up to 8% uranium-235. The draft EIS assesses environmental impacts of granting the license and contrasts them with the no-action alternative. The NRC’s preliminary position is to issue the license pending safety review. The facility is proposed for up to a 40-year operation. Public comments are open until May 11, 2026, and documents can be accessed through NRC’s ADAMS, the NRC Public Document Room, or the McCracken County Public Library.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

MSHA Proposed Extension of Information Collection for Diesel Particulate Matter Exposure in Underground Coal Mines

The Mine Safety and Health Administration is requesting comment on the proposed extension of information collection requirements related to diesel particulate matter exposure standards in underground coal mines (OMB Control No. 1219-0124). The collection covers miner training records and diesel equipment inventories, with operators required to provide copies and update inventory changes within seven days. MSHA seeks input on necessity, accuracy, and burden with comments due by May 26, 2026. The extension affects 146 respondents, generating nearly 28,000 annual responses and 703 hours of reporting burden, at a recordkeeping cost of $24. All comments will be publicly posted unless marked confidential.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NOAA Receives Applications for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has received compliant applications from American Metal Resources, LLC and SeaX, Inc. for deep seabed mining exploration licenses beyond national jurisdiction in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. Two virtual public hearings on the applications are scheduled for April 21 and 22, 2026, respectively. Public written comments will be accepted until May 22, 2026, via regulations.gov. Applications and supporting documents outline proposed exploration areas, and NOAA confirms the applicants’ priority rights excluding areas with conflicts from earlier applicants. Full hearing transcripts will be published for each license application docket.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

CDC Solicits Nominations for Mine Safety and Health Research Advisory Committee Membership

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, under the Department of Health and Human Services, seeks nominations for the Mine Safety and Health Research Advisory Committee (MSHRAC). Nominees must possess expertise in mining engineering, industrial hygiene, occupational safety, chemistry, ergonomics, and statistics. Candidates’ submissions should include a curriculum vitae, biographical sketch, and at least one letter of recommendation from a non-HHS employee. Nominations must be received by April 22, 2026. Members serve up to four-year terms, and federal employees are not eligible.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

MSHA Proposed Extension of Information Collection for Radiation Sampling and Exposure Records

MSHA is seeking public comments on the proposed extension of information collection for radiation sampling and exposure records, particularly regarding radon daughters in uranium mines. Operators are required to monitor, calculate, and report individual exposures annually, with records made available to miners on request. Comments on necessity and burden are due by May 26, 2026. Four respondents are affected, generating 404 responses and incurring 402 hours and $20 in costs annually.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA and Utah DEQ Settlement Agreement on Richardson Flat Tailings Superfund Site

EPA Region 8, Utah Department of Environmental Quality, and LHM DEV RIH LLC announced a proposed settlement concerning response actions and cost payments at the Richardson Flat Tailings Superfund Site Operable Unit 1 in Summit County, Utah. Written comments are accepted until April 22, 2026. The agreement establishes a framework for ongoing remediation of the site, involving parcels SS-87 and SS-88.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Mined in America Certification Program Bill Introduced

Bill 4251 directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a voluntary Mined in America Certification Program and encourages replacement of mining hardware from foreign adversaries with U.S.- or allied-manufactured equipment. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Sources: www.congress.gov

SECURE Minerals Act of 2026 Moves Forward

Bill 3659, the SECURE Minerals Act of 2026, addresses security and resilience in mineral supply chains. The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs held hearings.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bureau of Land Management Mineral Spacing Act Advances

Bill 1555, the Bureau of Land Management Mineral Spacing Act, focusing on energy and mineral development on federal lands, underwent subcommittee hearings.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Amendment to Mineral Leasing Act for Coal Lease Bonus Payments

Bill 7872 seeks to amend the Mineral Leasing Act to address payment of bonus payments for certain coal leases. Latest action: subcommittee hearings held.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Mineral Leasing in Carlsbad, New Mexico

Bill 7882 proposes leasing of mineral deposits within the City of Carlsbad, New Mexico. Subcommittee hearings were held.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Annual Offshore Oil and Gas Decommissioning Reports

Bill 4239 requires the Secretary of the Interior to submit annual reports to Congress and publish them online regarding decommissioning offshore oil and gas wells, platforms, and pipelines. The bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Sources: www.congress.gov

House Companion Bill for Offshore Oil and Gas Decommissioning

Bill 8099 would mandate annual public reports on offshore oil and gas decommissioning. Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Parkway Safety and Reinvestment Act Reviewed

Bill 6778, the Parkway Safety and Reinvestment Act, underwent subcommittee hearings related to public lands and natural resources.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Douglas County, Nevada Public Land Development Bill

Bill 4200 covers conservation, public land improvements, and development in Douglas County, Nevada. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act of 2025 Under Review

Bill 257 aims to strengthen supply chain resilience. The Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs held hearings.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Oil, gas exploration is back: Energy giants hunt to replenish reserves: Energy companies are increasing exploration efforts to rebuild reserves.
• India seeks steelmaking raw material from Argentina, Indonesia, Oman, sources say: India is seeking steelmaking raw materials from multiple international sources.
• France among nations eyeing Australia critical minerals investment, Australian minister says: France is considering critical minerals investment in Australia, according to officials.

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