June 28, 2026 to July 04, 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

ONRR Proposes Amendments to Federal Oil, Gas, and Coal Royalty Regulations

The Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) published a proposed rule to amend federal oil, gas, and coal valuation regulations, aiming to update royalty calculation standards and streamline reporting. The amendments include removing the default provision, updating index-based valuation options for gas, clarifying definitions related to depreciation and gathering, and specifying allowable deductions for transportation and processing. The rule also proposes new requirements for depreciation schedules, refined guidance on handling acquired assets, and modifications to appeals procedures. Public comments are due by August 31, 2026, via the Federal eRulemaking Portal or by mail.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Petitions for Modification of MSHA Safety Standards

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has received multiple petitions for modification of existing mandatory safety standards from operators in Montana and West Virginia. Notable requests include Stillwater Mining Company seeking to use bottled water in refuge chambers instead of waterlines, due to care and maintenance status at sections of the Stillwater Mine. Mettiki Coal WV, LLC requests allowance to use non-MSHA approved, but intrinsically safe, handheld radios in specific underground locations at the Mountain View Mine, citing discontinued production of MSHA-approved radios and improved communications capability. Allegheny Metallurgical requests permission for trailing cables at the Longview Mine to exceed standard length limits. Details of petition rationales, technical documentation, and compliance controls are available in the official filings, with comment deadlines set for July 31, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

Trump Administration NEPA Reforms Summary

The White House Council on Environmental Quality summarized the implementation of NEPA reforms under the Trump Administration. Reforms involved more than 60 federal agencies and departments, introducing a 'Categorical Exclusions-First Approach' to expedite permitting processes and reduce review times for federal infrastructure, energy, and resource extraction projects. Among the measures cited are DOI domestic energy project approvals in under 28 days and BLM exceeding prior drilling permit benchmarks. Executive orders also supported infrastructure, commercial space, and advanced nuclear projects, with parallel actions by USDA and DOI to finalize relevant review policies.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Earth MRI Cooperative Agreement Program Information Collection Extension

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) seeks OMB approval to extend information collection for the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) Competitive Cooperative Agreement Program with State Geological Surveys. This program, authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, accelerates mapping and assessment of critical minerals in the United States. Annual applications, progress reports, and final reports from state geological surveys are necessary to ensure compliance and aid national resource assessment. Total expected annual burden for respondents is 2,600 hours.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

OSHA Derricks Standard Information Collection Renewal

The Department of Labor has submitted for OMB review the continued information collection requirements for the OSHA Derricks Standard. The collection pertains to marking rated loads, maintaining inspection certification records, and posting warning signs during derrick adjustments or repairs. The estimated annual burden is 1,336 hours across 500 business respondents, with the standard facilitating workplace safety compliance in drilling and hoisting operations.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Support Our Miners Act Introduced in House

H.R. 9556, titled the Support Our Miners Act, has been introduced and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. The bill addresses matters relevant to the mining workforce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Water Resources Development Act of 2026

H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026, was referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. The act encompasses multiple provisions for water infrastructure.

Sources: www.congress.gov

New Multi-Committee House Bill Referred

H.R. 9586 has been referred to the Committee on Ways and Means and numerous additional committees. The bill covers various provisions for legislative priority areas, including natural resources, energy, and infrastructure.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Trump Cut a Billion-Dollar Mining Deal. His Sons Stand to Profit.: The New York Times reports on a billion-dollar mining deal brokered by Donald Trump involving Kazakhstan, with ties to his sons' business interests.
• Chinese copper foil maker Londian Wason New Energy Tech files for US IPO: Londian Wason New Energy Tech, a major Chinese copper foil producer, has filed for a U.S. IPO, seeking funds for battery materials growth.
• Battery metals recovery runs into stop-start EV market: Reuters discusses how fluctuations in the electric vehicle market are impacting the recovery in battery metals demand.
• Congo cobalt exporters fear losing quotas due to administrative glitch, sources say: Cobalt exporters in Congo reportedly risk losing export quotas due to an administrative technical issue, according to multiple sources.
• Guinea plans regional gold refining hub as West African race intensifies: Guinea has announced plans to create a gold refining center to compete regionally in West Africa.
• Carney Unveils Western Canada Mega-Projects to Boost Asia Trade: The New York Times covers proposals for major Western Canadian projects aimed at expanding trade links with Asia.

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