June 21, 2026 to June 27, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

MSHA Removes Outdated Flame Resistance Approval Requirements for Conveyor Belts

The Mine Safety and Health Administration issued a final rule effective July 27, 2026, eliminating outdated flame-resistance approval requirements for conveyor belts in underground coal mines. The rule removes provisions from 30 CFR 75.1108, including obsolete effective dates, while retaining current approval standards under part 14. The changes follow the notice of proposed rulemaking published July 1, 2025, which received two public comments—one requesting a 60-day extension and one in support. The rule does not alter the existing safety standards or impose new compliance costs for mine operators, as the affected provisions have not applied since December 31, 2018. MSHA will report these changes to Congress before the rule's effective date.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

MSHA Eliminates Diesel Particulate Matter Interim Requirements in Underground Coal Mines

MSHA finalized the removal of outdated diesel particulate matter emission limit requirements in underground coal mines under 30 CFR part 72. The rule, effective July 27, 2026, reserves Sec. 72.500(a) and 72.501(a)-(b), and updates Sec. 72.503(e) accordingly. The agency maintains the current emission limit of 2.5 grams per hour for permissible diesel-powered equipment and nonpermissible heavy-duty diesel equipment, generators, and compressors. This deregulatory move responds to Executive Order 14192 and received one supportive comment. MSHA determined the rule will not impact miner protections, impose costs, or alter reporting requirements, as interim requirements are no longer relevant.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

MSHA Removes Flame Safety Lamps from Permissible Face Equipment Regulations

MSHA issued a final rule amending 30 CFR 75.506 to remove flame safety lamps from the list of permissible electric face equipment for underground coal mines. The rule, effective July 27, 2026, follows the July 1, 2025, NPRM and addresses outdated technology as flame safety lamps are no longer used, having been replaced by electric cap lamps and modern gas detectors. MSHA determined the removal does not reduce miner protections or impose additional costs. The rule received two comments, one requesting an extension and one expressing support; the agency declined to extend the public comment period.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

MSHA Removes Regulations for Blacksmith Shops at Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mines

The final rule from MSHA eliminates Section 57.4532, concerning blacksmith shop requirements at surface areas of underground metal and nonmetal mines, effective July 27, 2026. The technical requirements are no longer necessary, as blacksmith shops are not used in these mining operations. The rulemaking responds to Executive Order 14192 and received three comments—two requesting an extended comment period and one offering support. MSHA determined the change will clarify regulatory standards without reducing safety protections or imposing new costs, and has notified Congress per legislative requirements.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Interior Approves Amendments to West Virginia Surface Mining Regulatory Program

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement approved two amendments to West Virginia's regulatory program under SMCRA, effective July 22, 2026. The amendments update permit fees, allow electronic submission of ownership/control and violation information, specify map formats, clarify surveyor credentials, and revise inactive status procedures for coal refuse sites. Key changes include increased fees for prospecting notices, new permits, renewals, and permit transfers. The rulemaking also ensured compliance with federal standards, addressed federal and state agency comments, and responded to Administrative Record reviews.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Senate Bill 4944: Streamlining Permitting under Energy and Environmental Statutes

Senate Bill 4944 was introduced to streamline permitting processes under the Natural Gas Act, Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and National Environmental Policy Act. The legislation, read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works on June 24, 2026, spans text S3206-3214 and seeks to accelerate permitting for energy and resource projects.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Army Will Lease Land on Bases for Critical Mineral Production: The U.S. Army will allow mining companies to lease base land for critical mineral production.
• Rio Tinto sees lithium as fastest-growing division, executive says: Rio Tinto's lithium segment is now its fastest-growing division, according to company management.
• EU courts Brazil as strategic partner in global race for critical minerals: The European Union is pursuing Brazil as a strategic partner for critical mineral supplies.
• Canada Eyes Arctic Projects to Ramp Up North’s Resource Potential: Canada is considering new Arctic development projects to expand resource extraction in the North.
• Zimbabwe exploring minerals-backed deals with China to fund infrastructure, minister says: Zimbabwe is negotiating minerals-backed arrangements with China for national infrastructure funding.
• U.S. Senators File National Security Amendment Targeting Dangerous Gold Market Concentration: U.S. Senators submitted an amendment addressing concentration risks in the global gold market.
• South Africa's Exxaro working to transport more manganese by cheaper rail: Exxaro Resources is improving railway logistics to cut manganese shipping costs.

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