August 16, 2026 to August 22, 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

Montana Regulatory Program Amendment Review

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement declined approval of most Montana amendments to its regulatory program under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA). Montana's proposals, including changes to the definition of 'affected drainage basin' and bond release requirements, were deemed inconsistent with federal standards. The sole approved element, MCA section 82-4-232(6)(k)(i), matches federal bond release criteria. The ruling follows public comment and consideration of statutory compliance and becomes effective September 21, 2026; economic impacts are not anticipated.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Deep Seabed Mining Exploration License Application and Public Hearing

NOAA received a consolidated application from The Metal Company USA, LLC for a deep seabed mining exploration license and commercial recovery permit in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, beyond U.S. jurisdiction. The agency will hold a virtual public hearing for oral comments on October 13, 2026, and written comments are accepted through October 19, 2026. The application complies with the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA). All comment procedures and viewing documentation are detailed in the Federal Register notice.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Environmental Impact Statement for Seabed Exploration License—TMC USA

NOAA intends to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on issuing an exploration license to The Metals Company USA, LLC for operations in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone under DSHMRA. The process covers vessel and autonomous vehicle deployment, sonar, and sediment sampling, with scoping input accepted until September 16, 2026. The EIS will evaluate alternatives and compliance with environmental statutes, including the Endangered Species Act. A decision is expected within a year following application certification.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Draft Regulatory Guide: Chemical Hazards—Public Health Risk Assessment

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued Draft Regulatory Guide DG-1444, proposed RG 1.264, outlining accepted methodologies for public health risk assessments of chemical hazards associated with licensed materials. Public comments are open until September 21, 2026. Guidance applies to regulatory requirements for design features and criteria demonstrating low risk of permanent public injury from chemical hazards per 10 CFR 53.440(k). The guide does not mandate compliance but offers an acceptable regulatory approach.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Agency Information Collection—Oil and Gas Drilling Operations

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) is renewing its information collection covering oil and gas drilling operations, including Forms BSEE-0125, -0133, and -0133S. These forms track well records, activity reports, casing/liner/tubing data, and open hole survey logs. The collection supports equipment readiness, well safety standards, and environmental protection, with annual nonhour cost burden estimated at $16,000 and 83,993 burden hours. Public comment is invited until October 16, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act of 2026

Bill 10115, the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act of 2026, was referred to the House Judiciary Committee and the Committee on Energy and Commerce. This bill proposes continued compensation for individuals exposed to radiation hazards. Further jurisdictional determination by the Speaker will follow.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To codify Secretary's Order 3434 of the Department of the Interior

Bill 10128 seeks to codify Secretary's Order 3434 from the Department of the Interior. The House Committee on Natural Resources was assigned to review the legislative text, with next procedural steps pending.

Sources: www.congress.gov

GATOR Act of 2026

Bill 10117, titled the GATOR Act of 2026, was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. Committee consideration will focus on provisions affecting resources and environmental management.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• EXCLUSIVE: Canadian miner NexGen Energy holds talks with BHP as it seeks $1 billion for uranium project: NexGen Energy is negotiating with BHP for funding its uranium development in Canada.
• Greater regulatory scrutiny no bar to mining mergers, bosses say: Mining executives comment on mergers proceeding despite increased regulatory review.
• SLB, Formentera working to activate drilling rigs in Venezuela, executives say: SLB and Formentera plan to restart inactive drilling rigs in Venezuela.
• How Tether's bitcoin mining plans in Uruguay unraveled: Tether's proposal for bitcoin mining in Uruguay failed amid regulatory and logistical challenges.
• EXCLUSIVE: Trump administration to back US minerals projects with $500 million in grants: The Trump administration intends to support US minerals initiatives with substantial grant funding.
• Ghana's mineworkers demand release of $34.5 million in trapped savings: Ghana's mining workforce seeks access to withheld personal savings totaling $34.5 million.
• Proposed Canadian crude oil pipeline projects: Summary of current proposals for new Canadian crude oil pipelines.
• Why Tungsten Matters to Industry and Why Finding It Is Only the Beginning: Tungsten's role in industrial applications extends beyond initial discovery.

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