August 30, 2026 to September 05, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

President Trump Secures the Biggest Oil Deal in World History

President Trump announced an agreement granting the U.S. majority control over 65 billion barrels of proven oil reserves in Venezuela, increasing national reserves from 46 billion barrels. The deal, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, involves a private Venezuelan oil company receiving 100-year concessions for 17 oil fields. The United States obtains governance rights, economic ownership, and board oversight, enabling low-cost oil supply and supporting domestic refineries and infrastructure. The arrangement is expected to bolster U.S. job creation, reduce gas prices, and facilitate Venezuela’s economic recovery. Measures are in place for robust governance and audit, and the deal replaces previous Russian and Chinese operators with a U.S.-led system.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision for Navajo Transitional Energy Company's Navajo Mine No Name SMCRA Permit

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement published a final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Record of Decision (ROD) for Navajo Transitional Energy Company's proposed SMCRA permit on Navajo Nation lands. The FEIS analyzed three alternatives, including no action, proposed permit expansion, and avoidance of Pinabete Arroyo. The preferred alternative authorizes mining expansion across 11,526 acres, allows for 9,042 acres of additional surface disturbance, and establishes production capacity of approximately 502.98 million tons of recoverable coal, extending the mine’s operational life to 2136. Public participation included a 20-day scoping period and 37 comment letters. Cooperating agencies included the EPA, Bureau of Land Management, Navajo Nation, and others. The permit is effective immediately, with initial term for five years and renewal options.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Silver Rock Transmission Line Project in Utah and Nevada

The Bureau of Land Management announced its intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Silver Rock Transmission Line Project spanning Millard, Beaver, Iron Counties (UT) and Lincoln, Clark Counties (NV). The project proposes up to two new high-voltage transmission lines extending 330 miles, affecting primarily BLM-managed land and requiring a combined right-of-way of up to 650 feet. Public scoping is open through October 5, 2026, and additional permits will be needed from federal, state, and local authorities including compliance with the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and Endangered Species Act. Record of Decision is anticipated in summer 2028. The EIS will consider alternative routes and evaluate impacts on resources such as biological, cultural, recreational, and mineral assets.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Intent To Amend Vernal Resource Management Plan for Oil and Gas Leasing, Utah

The Bureau of Land Management Utah State Director intends to amend the Vernal Resource Management Plan and prepare an Environmental Assessment to consider opening federal minerals beneath the Ouray National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas leasing, subject to directional or horizontal drilling and a no surface occupancy stipulation. The planning area covers less than 5,200 acres. Public scoping is underway until October 5, 2026. Alternatives include retaining current closure or permitting restricted leasing. Resource concerns and compliance processes include air and water quality, wildlife, minerals, economics, and consultation with Tribal Nations.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Intent To Prepare a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Southern Ute Mancos Shale Development

The Bureau of Land Management and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe are jointly preparing a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for exploration and development of Mancos Shale and other oil and gas resources on approximately 108,000 acres of trust and fee minerals within the Southern Ute Indian Reservation, La Plata County, CO. Scoping is open until October 5, 2026, with a public meeting scheduled for September 24, 2026. The EIS will analyze alternatives for orderly, efficient, and economic resource development. Anticipated impacts include air and water quality, traffic, wildlife, cultural resources, and economics. The process includes consultation with Tribal Nations and coordination with the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Montana Regulatory Program Correction for Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement issued a correction to its August 21, 2026, rule concerning amendments to Montana’s surface mining program under SMCRA. The correction clarifies paragraph designation in 30 CFR 926.12 and marks certain state amendments as not approved, including proposed definitions, bond release processes, and specific local code changes. The correction is effective September 21, 2026, and was issued by Marcelo Calle, Acting Regional Director, Unified Regions, 5, 7-11.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Information Collection Renewal: DOE/NRC Forms for Nuclear Material Transaction and Inventory

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission seeks public comment on renewing information collection requirements for DOE/NRC Forms 740M, 741, 742, and 742C concerning nuclear material transactions and inventories. Licensees handling specified amounts of nuclear material must report transaction and inventory changes annually via these forms. The renewal supports U.S. domestic and international safeguard obligations under IAEA agreements and bilateral nuclear cooperation treaties. Comments are due by October 30, 2026; supporting documents and instructions are available via NRC’s ADAMS database and regulations.gov.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Announces Historic Oil Agreement to Secure American Energy Dominance and Drive Venezuela’s Economic Recovery

President Trump detailed a new oil agreement granting U.S. majority control over Venezuelan oil reserves and 100-year concessions in 17 Venezuelan oil fields via North American Blue Energy Partners. The U.S. Department of War will hold a 35% equity stake in NABEP’s parent company, while the Department of State receives preferential rights to purchase up to 20% of production. The deal establishes U.S. governance and jurisdiction, supporting jobs, infrastructure investment, and generating royalties and taxes for both countries. It seeks to reinforce the Monroe Doctrine by displacing Russian and Chinese interests and advancing Venezuela’s transition initiatives.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Canada turns its critical minerals into leverage against Trump: Canada uses its critical mineral resources to influence U.S. policies under the Trump administration.
• Chile copper thieves are thwarting security measures on mine trains: Chile faces ongoing challenges as copper thieves repeatedly circumvent security on mining railways.
• COMMENTARY: Why oil importers are learning to live with longer trade routes: Global oil importers adapt to increased shipping distances and altered supply patterns.

.