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.

Dates: 2026-01-17 to 2026-01-23

📋 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: Hearings to examine improving the Federal environmental review and permitting process, part 2.: The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will hold hearings on January 28, 2026, in Dirksen 562, continuing its discussion on federal environmental review and permitting reform.
• Senate Foreign Relations: Business meeting on gold mining partnership, Taiwan energy security, and diplomatic nominations.: On January 29, 2026, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee meets in Capitol 116 to consider bills including S.3496 (Legal Gold and Mining Partnership Strategy), S.2722 (Taiwan energy security), and several ambassadorial nominations.

Federal Government News

NOAA Final Rule: Deep Seabed Mining—Revisions to Regulations for Exploration License and Commercial Recovery Permit Applications

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a final rule revising regulations governing exploration licenses and commercial recovery permits for deep seabed mining. The updated regulations introduce a consolidated application process, allowing qualified U.S. entities to apply for both an exploration license and a commercial recovery permit concurrently, rather than through separate, sequential submissions. The rule specifies application structure, mandates electronic submission, and sets a consolidated fee of $350,000, with provisions for adjustment based on actual administrative costs. The revisions clarify requirements for demonstrating technological and financial capacity, reflect advancements in industry practice, and update confidentiality and data disclosure protocols. Existing applications may transition to the consolidated process, and the rule takes effect immediately, responding to directives under E.O. 14285 regarding offshore critical minerals and resources.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House CEQ Issues Guidance on NEPA Compliance During Emergencies

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) published new guidance for federal agencies on managing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) procedures during emergencies. The guidance aims to help agencies continue complying with NEPA requirements while expediting emergency responses to events such as wildfires, species threats, economic crises, disease outbreaks, and presidentially declared emergencies. CEQ provides agencies with step-by-step instructions on utilizing existing NEPA tools to maintain legal and environmental standards without causing undue delays.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Presidential Proclamation: Adjusting Imports of Processed Critical Minerals and Derivative Products

President Trump issued Proclamation 11001, directing the Secretary of Commerce and U.S. Trade Representative to negotiate agreements addressing national security concerns related to imports of processed critical minerals and their derivatives. The proclamation cites reliance on foreign processing of critical minerals—including rare earths, cobalt, and nickel—as a national security risk. It authorizes the negotiation of agreements and, if necessary, imposition of trade remedies including price floors or tariffs if negotiations do not resolve the identified vulnerabilities within 180 days. The Secretary is also tasked with ongoing monitoring of processed critical mineral imports and reporting circumstances requiring further action.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Labor Department Submits OMB Review Request on Ventilation Plan and Main Fan Maintenance Records

The Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) submitted an information collection request to OMB for continued authorization regarding ventilation plan and main fan maintenance records. The request covers approximately 186 mine operators and estimates an annual reporting burden of 4,496 hours. The notice solicits public comments on the collection's necessity, accuracy, and burden reduction before February 23, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission Schedules Closed Session on Settlements and S&S Citations

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission will hold a closed meeting on February 19, 2026, to consider matters under formal agency adjudication, specifically in relation to Secretary of Labor v. Rulon Harper Construction, Inc. Issues include settlement motions and the removal of Significant and Substantial (S&S) designations without Commission approval under section 110(k) of the Mine Act.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

H.R.161: New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act

The House Committee ordered H.R.161, the New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act, to be reported as amended by a 28-23 vote. The bill addresses permitting procedures under environmental protection statutes.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Deep-sea mining company seeks international permit under new Trump rules: A company is applying for a deep-sea mining permit following NOAA's new regulatory framework.
• The global race for critical minerals — and the Gulf’s new role: Energy and mining leaders assess how Gulf states and global powers are competing for critical minerals supply.
• Energy Fuels to Buy Australian Miner in Bid for Rare Earths: Energy Fuels announces acquisition of an Australian firm to secure rare earths feedstock.
• Chile's miners flag risks in dual oversight of mining, economy ministries: Chilean mining industry groups express concern over overlapping regulatory ministries.
• Exclusive: Congo offers manganese, copper‑cobalt, and lithium assets to US investors under minerals pact: DRC offers mineral assets to U.S. investors as part of a bilateral mineral partnership.
• E&E News: Public land, hunting advocates lobbying moderates to kill pro-mining resolution: Advocates campaign against a mining resolution, targeting swing votes.

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