August 09, 2026 to August 15, 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.

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📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

EPA’s 2026 Unified Regulatory Agenda Details Section 610 Reviews and Mining-related Standards

The Environmental Protection Agency published its semiannual Unified Agenda, outlining pending regulatory reviews and new rulemakings related to the mining sector. Section 610 reviews initiated this cycle include the Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources (RIN 2060-AW99), formaldehyde emission standards for composite wood products, and the Risk Management Program under CAA section 112(r)(7) (RIN 2050-AH47). These reviews invite comment on rule complexities, overlaps with other government regulations, and developments in technology since promulgation. EPA also announced regulatory timing for standards covering new residential wood heaters and hydronic heaters, and noted forthcoming final rules for hazardous air pollutant emissions (clay/ceramics), 1-bromopropane, and N-methylpyrrolidone under TSCA. Agencies contact information and docket IDs are published for public comment. Regulatory flexibility analyses are not required for all items reviewed.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Orano Enrichment USA Submits License Application for Project IKE Uranium Facility

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission acknowledged receipt of Orano Enrichment USA LLC’s license application to construct and operate the Project IKE Enrichment Facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, which proposes to use centrifuge technology to enrich uranium including re-enrichment of depleted UF6 tails. Orano's request to submit its Information Systems Security Plan separately was granted, with a deadline of September 21, 2026. NRC will prepare both a safety evaluation report and a final environmental impact statement, and a contested hearing may be requested within 60 days. Commissioner Marzano commented on the hearing procedures and statutory requirements, highlighting process certainty and Congressional mandates concerning adjudicatory hearings. Licensing requirements detailed include environmental protocols, financial qualifications, and information security standards.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

DISA Technologies Environmental Assessment: Uranium Mine Remediation in Colorado Approved

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued an environmental assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact regarding DISA Technologies’ planned remediation of abandoned uranium mine waste at the Mary Ann site in Montrose County, Colorado. The NRC’s assessment notes that DISA will process approximately 1,656 cubic meters of waste, producing about 1,839 tons of concentrates via high-pressure slurry ablation, and will employ dust suppression and containment protocols. Fines concentrates will be temporarily stored and transported to a permitted facility. Air monitoring, water usage of up to 5,000 gallons per day, and compliance with federal and state agencies are stipulated. NRC completed consultation requirements, and determined the project meets environmental standards without needing a full environmental impact statement.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Interior Department Approves North Dakota Regulatory Program Amendments Under SMCRA

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement approved North Dakota’s regulatory program amendments under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA), effective September 10, 2026. Legislative changes include extending the time for mining companies to apply for permit renewal from 120 to 180 days, transferring select duties to the newly created Department of Environmental Quality, and establishing the Department of Water Resources. Updates to the North Dakota Century Code and Administrative Code align state regulations with federal requirements. The amendments are primarily administrative, clarifying agency responsibilities and procedural timelines. No substantial comments were received from federal agencies, EPA, or tribal entities, and the rule is deemed consistent with SMCRA and relevant executive orders.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

OSM Information Collection Renewal: State Processes for Coal Mining Area Designation

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement announced a renewal of its information collection on state processes for designating areas unsuitable for surface coal mining operations under SMCRA section 522. Public comments are due by October 13, 2026. The collection supports regulatory evaluation, permit compliance, and environmental protection, involving state and tribal governments as well as individual respondents. Estimated annual respondents total two, with a combined burden of 2,500 hours and $120 in nonhour costs. Participation is required to obtain or retain benefits. Comments may address the necessity and burden of the collection; further information is available from William L. Frankel at OSMRE.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Hazardous Materials Transparency Act Introduced in Congress

Bill 10108, titled Hazardous Materials Transparency Act, was recently referred to the House Committee on Armed Services. The measure proposes new requirements for oversight and reporting related to hazardous materials and may have implications for the mining and minerals industry depending on subsequent committee action.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Australia commits $1.76 billion to keep Rio Tinto aluminium smelter open: Australia delivers major financial support to Rio Tinto's aluminium smelter for continued operation.
• Mining Claims Staked on Land Cut From Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Monuments: Mining claims are newly filed on Utah lands excluded from monument protection.
• 5E Advanced Materials Receives $8 Million EXIM Investment as Fort Cady Boron Project Gains White House Recognition: 5E Advanced Materials secures EXIM financing and national attention for Fort Cady boron project.
• India clears law to curb new state taxes on mining: India passes legislation limiting new state taxes impacting mining operations.
• South Africa's Traxtion bets on regional rail reforms and mineral boom: Traxtion anticipates growth in mineral transport amid regional rail reforms.
• India fuels global growth in planned coal mining capacity, report says: India drives expansion in global planned coal mining capacity according to new report.
• The Divisive Plan to Build a Gold Mine in the Middle of a Pristine National Park: Potential gold mine development in a national park sparks local debate.
• Trump has a plan to break China’s mineral grip. It needs workers first.: Trump administration outlines mineral strategy dependent on domestic workforce.

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