May 17, 2026 to May 23, 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.

Want to track the upstream and downstream forces affecting Mining? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Manufacturing and Oil & Gas. Also consider subscribing to our Mining - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

NIST MEP Pilot Targets Critical Minerals Supply Chain

The National Institute of Standards and Technology issued a Notice of Intent for a Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) pilot program. This competitive initiative will provide approximately $20 million per project over two years to current MEP centers, focusing on technology frameworks for additive manufacturing in aerospace components and a domestic critical minerals supply chain. The program aims to accelerate adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies, building collaborative networks across industry, academia, federal labs, and state/local governments. Full competition details will follow in a Notice of Funding Opportunity and further updates will be provided at planned public meetings.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

BLM to Prepare EIS for Production Site Development in National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska

The Bureau of Land Management Alaska State Office issued notice to begin an Environmental Impact Statement for oil and gas production site development in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A). Prompted by a petition from the Alaska Oil and Gas Association, BLM will consider streamlining site permitting through regulatory amendments backed by a comprehensive NEPA analysis. The rulemaking aims to establish pre-defined criteria for permitting repeatable infrastructure, addressing historic inefficiencies in project-by-project reviews. Public comment is open until July 6, 2026, and the EIS will assess impacts on wildlife, cultural resources, surface water, air quality, and subsistence activities. The final EIS and record of decision are expected later in 2026 or early 2027.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USITC Initiates Final Phase on Oil Country Tubular Goods Imports

The U.S. International Trade Commission determined that imports of oil country tubular goods (OCTG) from Austria, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates have caused material injury to the domestic industry. The investigations, based on petitions filed by OCTG Manufacturers Association, U.S. Steel Corporation, and United Steelworkers, concern alleged sales at less than fair value and subsidies from Austria. The Commission has initiated antidumping and countervailing duty investigations, with final phases pending notice by the Department of Commerce. Industrial users and consumer organizations are eligible for participation in the proceedings. Details are available in USITC Publication 5741.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House: Anniversary of Nuclear Executive Orders Yields Advancements in Uranium and Reactor Development

Director Michael Kratsios spoke at Operation Gigawatt Summit in Utah, noting the impact of President Trump’s executive orders on nuclear energy. DOE reports uranium production has doubled over six years, with $2.5 billion invested in enrichment. At least three SMR test projects aim for criticality by July 2026. The Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses initiative has attracted industry interest for used fuel management. The Janus Program is scheduled to deploy microreactors for military by 2028, while the NRC has modernized licensing and approved reactor renewals and advanced permits. Plans include 5 GW of new nuclear capacity by 2030 and new regulatory frameworks for fusion energy.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

DOE Restricts Access to Crescent Junction Uranium Mill Tailings Repository

The Department of Energy designated the Crescent Junction Uranium Mill Tailings Repository in Grand County, Utah as an off-limits area pursuant to section 229 of the Atomic Energy Act. Unauthorized entry is now a federal crime, with fines up to $100,000 or imprisonment for one year for violations in enclosed areas. Notices outlining the restrictions and penalties will be posted at entry points and along the perimeter. The action aims to secure the site, which encompasses approximately 936 acres north of Interstate 70, about three miles west of Thompson Springs.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

License to Drill Act Advances to House Calendar

Bill 7831, the License to Drill Act, has been placed on the House Union Calendar, Calendar No. 579. This energy sector bill awaits further consideration and addresses permitting for drilling operations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act of 2026 Receives Committee Hearings

Bill 4529, titled Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act of 2026, underwent hearings in the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Innovation and Safety. The bill discusses requirements for sourcing local materials for nuclear development.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Geothermal Gold Book Development Act Progresses

Bill 5617, the Geothermal Gold Book Development Act, has been placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 573. This bill relates to documenting and facilitating geothermal development.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A Bill to Amend the Commodity Exchange Act for Precious Metals Depositories

Bill 4621 aims to reduce systemic risk and increase geographic diversity of depositories for precious metals storage. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Internal Revenue Code Amendments on Oil and Gas Well Depletion

Bill 4604 proposes modifications to percentage depletion rules for oil and gas wells. The bill was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance for review.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

Indiana State Senator Attends Congressional Hearing on Coal Mining

State Sen. Jim Tomes attended a congressional committee meeting addressing the coal mining industry's future, mine safety, and strategies for industry growth, with testimony from national experts.

Sources: www.indianasenaterepublicans.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Exclusive: Compass plans lithium market return with EnergyX in Utah's Great Salt Lake: Compass Minerals eyes partnership with EnergyX to re-enter the lithium market using Utah’s Great Salt Lake resources.
• White Gold Corp. Identifies High-Priority Copper, Gold & Multi Element Porphyry and Epithermal Targets at Guilder and Mt. Hart Targets Following IP Geophysics Program: White Gold Corp. identifies multiple new prospects for copper, gold, and other elements based on recent geophysical work.
• The New ‘Gold Rush’ of Geothermal Energy: Growing interest in geothermal energy is generating increased investment and exploration in the sector.
• Indonesia to exempt nickel pig iron and some palm oil derivatives from centralised export policy: Indonesia adjusts export controls, allowing nickel pig iron exemptions from centralised policy.
• Indonesia coal export shake-up rattles miners, traders: Revisions to Indonesia’s coal export policy have caused uncertainty among mining firms and trading companies.
• China mine blast, U.S. voting machines and flotilla abuse claims: Mine blast in China discussed alongside other security topics impacting global resource trade.
• Canada's investment climate for oil and gas improving, executives say: Canadian oil and gas sector executives note a more favorable investment environment.

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