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: 2026-04-05 to 2026-04-11

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

White House Releases Guidance for Federal Agencies on Categorical Exclusions Under NEPA

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) issued new guidance on the use and establishment of categorical exclusions (CEs) under the National Environmental Policy Act. This updated direction incorporates amendments from the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 and reflects CEQ’s recent regulatory repeals. The guidance is intended to reduce NEPA review timelines and permitting burdens, particularly for infrastructure projects, while maintaining environmental compliance. Federal agencies will have access to digital tools—the Categorical Exclusion Explorer database and the CE Works platform—to facilitate the adoption and application of CEs. CEQ Chair Katherine Scarlett said these measures support efficient project permitting and the administration’s deregulatory agenda.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Presidential Proclamation: Increased Tariffs on Imports of Aluminum, Steel, and Copper Products

On April 2, 2026, the President signed Proclamation 11021, significantly adjusting tariffs on imports of aluminum, steel, and copper and their derivatives. Effective April 6, 2026, the ad valorem duty rates on most of these products are raised to 50 percent, with some copper products and certain derivatives set at 25 percent. Special reduced rates apply to derivative articles made with metals originating from the United States or the United Kingdom. The proclamation redefines the tariff calculation to include the full customs value of relevant imported products, regardless of metal content, and authorities are granted to add additional derivatives to the tariff list after assessment. Some products will have their tariff status adjusted or revoked based on new criteria, and measures are outlined to prevent tariff circumvention and ensure compliance. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is authorized to enforce country-of-origin requirements for smelt and cast data.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Issues Final Rule Amending Oil and Gas Sector Climate Standards

The Environmental Protection Agency finalized amendments to the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and Emission Guidelines (EG) for the Crude Oil and Natural Gas source category. The revisions affect temporary flaring provisions for associated gas, extending the maximum allowable duration from 24 to 72 hours, with additional provisions for exigent circumstances. The rule also makes technical adjustments to vent gas net heating value (NHV) monitoring, providing expanded exemptions for high-NHV streams and altering compliance demonstration methods. The effective date is set for June 8, 2026, and the rule contains adjustments to reporting procedures and technical corrections. The EPA's economic impact analysis estimates compliance cost savings, with reduced regulatory burden described for industry.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

MSHA Delays Effective Date of Silica Exposure Amendments Pending Judicial Review

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) announced an indefinite delay in implementing conforming amendments related to miners' exposure to respirable crystalline silica under the 2024 Silica Rule. This follows a judicial stay from the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, issued April 11, 2025, which paused compliance deadlines pending judicial review. As a result, prior exposure standards remain in effect and enforcement of the new amendments is postponed until the stay is lifted. MSHA indicated no further regulatory action or public comment process is required at this time and will publish updates when appropriate.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NOAA Extends Public Comment Period for Deep Seabed Mining License Applications

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration extended the public comment period for two deep seabed mining exploration license applications—from American Metal Resources, LLC and SeaX, Inc.—to May 26, 2026. The extension accounts for a one-day period in which application materials were unavailable for public viewing due to technical issues on regulations.gov. This ensures a full 60-day comment window as required. NOAA has arranged for public input per 30 U.S.C. 1426(a)(1), and further details are provided on the Federal Register and the Office for Coastal Management.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

H.R. 8238 — Coordination to Promote Revitalization of Environmentally Contaminated Sites

Bill 8238 would require the Secretary of Commerce and EPA Administrator to facilitate collaboration between the Economic Development Administration and the EPA in support of efforts to revitalize contaminated sites. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and to the Committees on Financial Services and Energy and Commerce, for consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Investors push for action to end deforestation and human rights risks in nickel mining: Investors call for greater scrutiny of deforestation and labor practices in global nickel mining operations.
• Panama to authorize First Quantum to remove ore from closed copper mine: Panama will allow First Quantum Minerals to remove ore stockpiles from its closed Cobre Panama copper mine.
• Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc: Encouraging Results From Deep Level Drilling at Blanket Mine: Caledonia Mining reports positive results from deep drilling at its Blanket gold mine in Zimbabwe.
• Ocean protections clash with mining pressure in Indonesia’s most diverse marine ecosystem: Conservation efforts and mining interests intersect in the ecologically rich Raja Ampat region of Indonesia.
• Nano One to Receive Additional C$4.3M from the Government of Canada to Advance Battery Material Production for Energy Security & Defence: Nano One secures C$4.3 million funding for battery material production from the Canadian government.
• Oando plans $750 million drilling campaign, expects funding boost from Iran turmoil: Oando prepares a $750 million drilling initiative, anticipating investor interest amid geopolitical shifts.
• Eni to take stake in Canada's Nouveau Monde Graphite in $70 million investment: Eni to acquire a position in Nouveau Monde Graphite, signaling increased investment in battery minerals.
• More BP Investors Demand Proof That Fossil-Fuel Pivot Will Benefit Shareholders: BP faces investor calls to demonstrate value as it adjusts fossil-fuel strategy.
• ConocoPhillips visits Venezuela to evaluate oil opportunities: ConocoPhillips explores potential oil ventures in Venezuela amid ongoing sector changes.

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