September 13, 2026 to September 19, 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

US Forest Service initiates Environmental Impact Statement for the Roca Honda Mine Project (New Mexico)

The US Forest Service, in collaboration with the EPA and Bureau of Land Management, has announced the start of the scoping process and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Roca Honda underground uranium mine project near Mount Taylor, New Mexico. The project would involve mining activities across National Forest, BLM, state trust, and private lands, covering development drilling, dewatering wells, ore transport, and associated infrastructure. Approximately 87 acres of National Forest lands and 279 acres off-site would be affected. The mine would not have any on-site milling or tailings facilities; extracted ore would be hauled to Utah for processing. Permitting will require review and approvals by multiple federal and state agencies, and the comment period runs through October 14, 2026. The operation is projected to span 21 years, including construction, mining, and reclamation. This process marks a significant regulatory review under NEPA, FAST-41, and associated Clean Water Act and air quality requirements.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FERC announces Environmental Assessment timeline for Flat Lake Access Pipeline Project (North Dakota/Saskatchewan)

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued its schedule for the environmental assessment of the Flat Lake Access Pipeline Project proposed by Steel Reef Pipelines US LLC. The project aims to export up to 80 million cubic feet per day of sour natural gas from North Dakota to Saskatchewan, with a fuel return line importing 6 MMcf/d. The cross-border facilities will be sited entirely in North Dakota. FERC intends to issue the EA on January 6, 2027, and the deadline for federal authorizations is April 6, 2027. Related permits and reviews involve various federal and state agencies. The project’s public scoping process has so far received no substantive comments from the North Dakota State Historical Society.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Vinton Dome Storage Hub Project advances toward Environmental Assessment in Louisiana

FERC has set a timeline for the environmental assessment of the Vinton Dome Storage Hub Project in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, filed by Vinton Dome Storage Hub, LLC. The project would include five salt dome natural gas storage caverns with a total capacity of 63.5 Bcf, a major compressor station, and over 32 miles of bidirectional pipeline. Additional infrastructure involves groundwater withdrawal wells, brine disposal wells, and cavern leaching facilities. FERC will issue the EA on January 29, 2027, with a federal authorization decision deadline of April 29, 2027. Public comments have been received regarding groundwater, wetlands, and local impacts, as well as the qualifications of the project proponent.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

BSEE seeks public comment on oil and gas production measurement and surface commingling information collection

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has submitted for OMB review the continuing information collection related to oil and gas production measurement, surface commingling, and security under 30 CFR 250, subpart L. The renewal covers regulatory requirements for reporting hydrocarbon measurements, recordkeeping, and Notice to Lessees guidance affecting approximately 550 offshore lessees and pipeline right-of-way holders. The estimated total annual burden is 1,621 hours across 3,548 responses. Public comments on the necessity and burden of the collection are due by October 19, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Proposed Consent Decree under CERCLA for Rand Historic Mining Complex (California) lodged

The Department of Justice has lodged a proposed Consent Decree in United States v. Goldcorp USA, Inc., et al., addressing CERCLA claims related to the Rand Historic Mining Complex in Kern and San Bernardino Counties, California. The decree would require defendants to pay $5 million in exchange for a covenant not to sue for government-incurred response costs. The public has 30 days from September 15, 2026 to submit comments. The agreement includes provisions related to both CERCLA and RCRA liabilities.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Uranium mines pose first test for state-recognized Mount Taylor cultural landscape in New Mexico: Mount Taylor mining project highlights regulatory and cultural considerations for uranium development in New Mexico.
• Building Europe’s Strategic Edge: Analysis explores Europe's challenges and approaches in securing strategic metals and energy resources.
• US aims to issue deep-sea mining permits within months, Interior Secretary Burgum says: U.S. Interior Secretary signals that deep-sea mining permits could be issued before the end of the year.
• Niche metals test West's resilience to Chinese export curbs: Western nations navigate supply chain challenges amid China’s restrictions on exports of specialty metals.
• US firm Heeney Capital to operate Venezuela gold mine, Continental seeks to enter oil project: U.S. and Venezuelan energy and mining partnerships expand with new gold mining and oil ventures.
• Congo creates task force for US minerals deal, cabinet minutes say: Democratic Republic of Congo forms a task force to facilitate ongoing US minerals agreement discussions.

.