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: 2026-05-03 to 2026-05-09

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Utah Regulatory Program Amendment Receives OSM Review

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) has received Utah's regulatory amendment following House Bill 419, with new requirements for plaintiffs in environmental actions to post compensatory bonds. HB 419 removes previous coal permit exemptions and was effective May 6, 2026. Public comment is open until June 8, 2026. Comments may be submitted via mail, fax, or the Federal eRulemaking Portal; a public hearing will occur June 1, 2026, if requested by May 22. OSM will review the amendment after the comment period to determine final approval. State program amendments are exempt from OMB review under Executive Orders 12866 and 13563, and public availability of comments is standard unless confidentiality is requested. The amendment text is available online and at designated physical locations.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Respirable Crystalline Silica Standards: DOL Seeks Public Comment

The Department of Labor's Occupational Safety & Health Administration has submitted an information collection request for silica standards in general industry, maritime, and construction to the Office of Management and Budget. These standards require employer monitoring of employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica, medical surveillance, access controls, and accurate recordkeeping. The request involves an estimated 818,438 respondents and 18,175,280 annual responses, with an estimated annual time burden of 8,186,825 hours and annual other costs totaling $220,825,320. Public comments on the utility, accuracy, and methods of information collection are invited until June 8, 2026. The collection is subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act and will be authorized for up to three years.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Extension Proposed for MSHA Individual Identification Number Collection

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) seeks public comment on its proposed extension of the Qualification and Certification Program Request for MSHA Individual Identification Number (MIIN). The MIIN is required when individuals apply for MSHA qualifications, certifications, or status updates, replacing Social Security numbers as an identifier. The agency estimates 9,000 annual respondents and responses, a time burden of 720 hours, and annual recordkeeping costs of $180. Comments must be submitted by July 7, 2026 via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal or mail. MSHA Form 5000-46 is used for these requests. All comments received will be available in the public docket.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NMFS Issues Letters of Authorization for Gulf of America Geophysical Surveys

The National Marine Fisheries Service granted six Letters of Authorization (LOAs) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act for geophysical surveys in the Gulf of America, covering activities by WesternGeco, TGS, Future Energy Consultants, bp Exploration & Production, Viridien, and LLOG Exploration Offshore. The LOAs detail operational durations, mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements, with no authorization to take Rice’s whales. Each LOA applies to a specified area and operational period, and authorized incidental take levels comply with the MMPA requirements.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Marks Coral Sea Anniversary, Announces Critical Minerals Agreement with Australia

The Presidential message for the 84th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea reaffirms the US-Australia alliance, citing recent agreements to expand access to rare earth and critical minerals. The administration notes these minerals’ importance to economic and defense capabilities. The statement highlights ongoing collaboration for Indo-Pacific stability, referencing the significance of allied partnerships in securing supply chains.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

EPA Issues Environmental Impact Statements: New Mining and Watershed Projects Listed

The Environmental Protection Agency released a notice of availability for environmental impact statements filed between April 27 and May 4, 2026. Major projects include the Logan River Watershed Project in Utah (NRCS, comment period ends June 22), and the North Bullfrog Mine Project in Nevada (BLM, comment period ends June 8). Statements for sonar training in the Pacific and shipping safety fairways are also available. EPA’s comment letters and EISs are accessible online; project contacts are listed for stakeholder reference.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Proposed Reinstatement of Oil and Gas Leases in New Mexico

The Bureau of Land Management proposes reinstating terminated oil and gas leases NMNM128371 and NMNM128376 in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, effective July 1, 2021, for up to two years. Lessee R & R Royalty Ltd. paid outstanding rentals, administrative fees, and accepted amended terms including adjusted rental rates and royalties. The leases meet requirements under the Mineral Leasing Act and are subject to original and amended stipulations.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Bill 8681: Sanctions on Forced Labor in the Cobalt Mining Sector

Bill 8681 has been introduced to impose sanctions on any foreign person employing forced labor or child labor in cobalt mining. The bill was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on the Judiciary for further consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Tribes sue to halt exploratory drilling in Black Hills near sacred ceremonial site: Tribal groups file lawsuits challenging exploration near a sacred site in the Black Hills.
• Illegal Miners Loot Amazon Rainforest for Critical Minerals: Illegal miners extract critical minerals from the Amazon, prompting concern for ecological impacts.
• Exclusive: Rio Tinto considers raising stake in Argentina's Los Azules copper project, sources say: Rio Tinto is reportedly evaluating increased investment in the Los Azules copper project in Argentina.
• G7 trade talks target critical minerals as US-EU tariff rift strains unity: G7 trade ministers discuss critical minerals supply chains amid ongoing tariff disputes.
• Week in review: Big oil bets, jobs and tariffs: Summary of major developments affecting oil investment, employment, and trade tariffs this week.

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