May 10, 2026 to May 16, 2026

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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📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee Hearing on 'Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act,' 'RECHARGE Act,' and 'Enrichment Licensing Modernization Act': The Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Innovation and Safety will hold an open hearing on May 20, 2026, in Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 406, to examine proposed legislation addressing nuclear construction, battery technology, and enrichment licensing modernization.

Federal Government News

Labor Department Submits ICR on Mine Rescue Teams, Emergency Medical Assistance, and Reporting Requirements

The Department of Labor issued a notice on May 15, 2026, regarding its Mine Safety and Health Administration's information collection request covering mine rescue teams, emergency medical assistance, transportation arrangements for injured miners, agreements, reporting, and posting requirements. The documentation ensures underground mine operators are prepared for emergencies such as fires, explosions, or gas and water inundations, with records verifying rescue equipment status and team training. The ICR is subject to Office of Management and Budget approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The notice estimates 1,369 respondents and 37,236 responses annually, with a total time burden of 6,186 hours and costs of $984. Public comments are invited until June 15, 2026, and can address the utility, accuracy, and methodology of the collection, as well as methods to reduce burdens.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Labor Department Seeks OMB Review of Slope and Shaft Sinking Plans for Underground Coal Mines

On May 14, 2026, the Department of Labor submitted an information collection request relating to slope and shaft sinking plans in surface work areas of underground coal mines. These plans ensure miner safety through details about mine location, operator information, construction methods, and safeguards against caving, among other elements. The submission, required under 30 CFR 77.1900, is intended for a three-year approval period and affects approximately 20 respondents and 50 responses, with an annual estimated burden of 1,001 hours and $30 in costs. Public comments on necessity, accuracy, and improvement are due by June 15, 2026 at www.reginfo.gov.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FERC Opens Scoping Period for Environmental Issues on Texas Gas Transmission Longwall Mining Panel M2 and M3 Project

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission announced the commencement of a scoping period for environmental issues related to the Longwall Mining Panel M2 and M3 Project by Texas Gas Transmission, LP in Greene County, Pennsylvania. The project will involve excavation, elevation, replacement, and rerouting of segments of four pipelines, as well as abandonment and modification activities over 127.87 acres. Interested parties are invited to submit comments by June 11, 2026, focusing on environmental effects, alternatives, and mitigation measures. The review considers geology, water, vegetation, wildlife, endangered species, cultural resources, land use, air quality, reliability, and safety. Permanent operation will require maintenance of 20.98 acres.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Developing Overseas Mineral Investments and New Allied Networks for Critical Energies Act

Bill 7037 was ordered to be reported in the nature of a substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 45-0. The legislation aims to enhance international partnerships and investments for critical mineral supply chains, relevant to energy sector stakeholders seeking diversified sourcing.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To Impose Certain Conditions on Mineral Materials Sales Contracts and Free Use Permits under the Materials Act of 1947 with Respect to Large-scale Mineral Extraction Projects Near Urban Communities

Bill 8773 was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. The measure proposes to establish conditions on mineral materials sales contracts and free use permits for large-scale extraction projects near urban areas.

Sources: www.congress.gov

License to Drill Act

Bill 7831 was ordered to be reported by unanimous consent. The legislation would affect permitting and regulatory requirements for drilling operations in the energy sector.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Cooperative Partnerships for Mineral Extraction Activities at Army Organic Industrial Base Facilities

Bill 4521 was read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. The bill seeks to authorize cooperative mineral extraction partnerships at Army organic industrial facilities, addressing both extraction and potential industrial collaborations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To Amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 for Next-generation Geothermal and Closed-loop Geothermal Systems

Bill 8790 was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, as well as the Committee on Natural Resources. This legislative proposal would direct research, development, demonstration, and commercialization activities for new geothermal and closed-loop systems.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• AI, Iran, rare-earth minerals: A real-time risk map for CEOs: Axios details geopolitical and supply chain risks affecting rare earth mineral access for executives.
• Santa Marta talks focused minds on exit from fossil fuels. Now the hard part begins: Reuters covers discussions about global strategies for transitioning away from fossil fuels.
• Libya aims to restart Ras Lanuf oil refinery within a year, NOC says: Libya's NOC reports plans to restart the Ras Lanuf oil refinery by mid-2027.
• ADNOC Drilling ready to expand UAE oil capacity past 5 million bpd target if asked: ADNOC Drilling indicates capability to increase oil production in the UAE if requested.
• 5E Advanced Materials Signs First Milestone Offtake Heads of Agreement with Domestic Industrial Customer: 5E Advanced Materials announces its first milestone offtake agreement with a U.S. industrial partner.
• Chinese firms warn Indonesia's nickel quotas, tax hikes threaten investment: Reuters reports on Chinese companies cautioning that Indonesian nickel quotas and higher taxes may affect new investments.

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