July 12, 2026 to July 18, 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

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

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• House Natural Resources Subcommittee to Hold Hearing on Fast Track and Critical Minerals Bills: The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources will hold a legislative hearing on July 21, considering H.R. 8003 (Expanding the Fast Track Act of 2026), H.R. 9640 (Earth MRI Reauthorization Act), and H.R. 9646 (Quantum-Enhanced Critical Minerals Mapping Act).

Federal Government News

Trump Administration Reduces Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments

On July 13, President Donald J. Trump signed proclamations reducing the size of Bears Ears National Monument to roughly 121,100 acres and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument to 181,500 acres. These actions reversed expansions carried out in 2021 and shifted management focus to specific historic and scientific sites with the aim of opening more federal land to multiple uses, including energy and resource development, grazing, and recreation. The Bears Ears Commission was disbanded, new management and transportation plans were ordered, and revised advisory committee membership is planned. The Grand Staircase action established two new units totaling 181,541 acres and opens excluded lands to mineral leasing, mining, and public land use, while also directing ecological restoration measures. The administration’s rationale cited a narrower interpretation of the Antiquities Act, arguing that prior boundaries exceeded statutory authority.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Proposes Wide-Ranging Rule to Modernize Reactor Licensing and Siting

The NRC published a major proposed rule to overhaul reactor licensing, safety oversight, and siting practices (Federal Register, July 16). This regulatory revision—initiated under Executive Order 14300—would affect licensing of new and existing reactors and introduce new risk-informed and performance-based alternatives, updated emergency preparedness rules, streamlined quality assurance options (appendix T), and revised siting criteria allowing graded approaches, especially for advanced reactor and small modular reactor designs. Among other changes, the proposal raises allowable uranium fuel enrichment for light-water reactors, addresses fuel dispersal rules, extends manufacturing license terms to 40 years, and provides for alternative risk-based criteria in design regulation. The NRC is accepting comment on the suite of reforms, including specific requests on siting, QA, and emergency planning changes.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Posts Draft Good Samaritan Remediation Permit for Bodie Mine Project

The EPA released a draft Good Samaritan Remediation Permit for the Bodie Mine site in Okanogan County, Washington, opening a public comment period until August 17, 2026. The project, spearheaded by Trout Unlimited, would allow cleanup of up to 790 tons of contaminated soil and sediment along 400 feet of Toroda Creek. The EPA has determined the site and parties are eligible under the Good Samaritan Act of 2024 and classified the activity as low risk with measurable improvement goals for soil and sediment quality. The work is projected to eliminate about 104 tons of contaminated tailings from eroding into the creek annually. The draft also details the liability protection structure now available under the Good Samaritan framework.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Availability: Environmental Impact Statements for Newcastle/Nebraska Resource Plan and Blue Marlin Offshore Port

EPA announced the availability of two final Environmental Impact Statements: one for the BLM's Newcastle and Nebraska Proposed Resource Management Plans (Wyoming), and another for the USCG/MARAD Blue Marlin Offshore Port Project (Louisiana). The Blue Marlin statement covers review periods into August 2026 and provides agency contacts for comment. Both EIS documents are posted for public access and comment as part of Section 309(a) compliance under the Clean Air Act.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Critical Mineral Dominance Act (Bill 4090)

The Critical Mineral Dominance Act was discussed in a hearing by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. The bill addresses U.S. critical mineral policy, and the latest action was a subcommittee hearing.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Geothermal Cost-Recovery Authority Act of 2026 (Bill 4605)

This bill, focused on cost recovery for geothermal projects, was examined in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. A hearing was held on July 15.

Sources: www.congress.gov

License to Drill Act (Bill 7831)

The License to Drill Act was the subject of hearings in the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. The committee received testimony and the bill remains under consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Offshore Leasing Standards and Accountability Act of 2026 (Bill 4715)

This legislation seeks to update leasing and accountability standards for offshore energy development. Committee hearings were conducted in the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on July 15.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Plug Offshore Wells Act (Bill 4239)

The Plug Offshore Wells Act, focused on decommissioning and closure of offshore wells, was discussed during hearings of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee. The bill is currently before the subcommittee.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• BHP wins higher quarterly iron ore prices, overcoming China's buying curbs: BHP reports improved iron ore prices despite continued Chinese purchasing restrictions.
• China's rare earth curbs endanger $6.5 trillion of Western industry, IEA says: The IEA warns that rare earth export limits from China pose risks to Western industrial sectors.
• So you want to build your own metals smelter?: Analysis of the challenges faced by companies planning to construct new metals smelting operations.
• Zijin starts Congo lithium exports to China, sources say: Reports indicate Zijin Mining has initiated lithium ore shipments from the DRC to China.
• Opinion | Peter Navarro: America Can Break China’s Choke Hold on Critical Minerals: Peter Navarro argues that the U.S. can develop policies to lessen reliance on Chinese critical minerals.
• Congo Ebola outbreak disrupting US-backed minerals deal, sources say: An Ebola outbreak in the DRC has delayed progress on an American-supported minerals agreement.
• Congo's planned mining law reform could dent investor confidence, industry warns: The mining sector signals concerns regarding proposed legal reforms in DRC and the impact on investments.
• Emerging Growth Research Initiates Coverage on Nord Precious Metals Mining Inc. (TSX-V: NTH) with a Buy-Emerging Rating and C$0.30 Price Target: Nord Precious Metals receives a Buy-Emerging rating with a C$0.30 price target from a research firm.
• In Nigeria’s oil heartland, Olori Atuwatse III sees a different resource: A profile on Nigerian royalty highlights alternative regional development strategies in the oil-producing Warri Kingdom.

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