September 20, 2026 to September 26, 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

G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial Outcomes Address Critical Minerals and Regulatory Efficiency

The G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial concluded in Houston with multilateral agreements addressing energy access, permitting processes, water resilience, and critical minerals supply chain security. The White House National Energy Dominance Council, Department of the Interior, Department of Energy, and EPA hosted the event. Outcomes included adoption of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) initiatives, measures to speed up permitting, and a new Water Reuse Initiative. The critical minerals agreement covers cross-border cooperation on innovation, investment, and capacity building. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated that repealing previous greenhouse gas requirements for power plants is projected to reduce costs by $310 billion. Industry investments announced during the session included Hitachi Energy's $528 million facility in Mississippi and an LNG export expansion by Caturus in Louisiana. Delegates from 20 countries participated.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

EPA Extends NESHAP Reporting for Non-Ferrous Foundries

The Environmental Protection Agency submitted a renewal request to OMB for industry reporting under the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) covering aluminum, copper, and other non-ferrous foundries. The standards, at 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart ZZZZZZ, apply to facilities melting over 600 tons per year if hazardous air pollutant emissions are present. The renewal estimates 318 respondents, a total annual burden of 11,900 hours, and annualized industry compliance costs of $1,640,000. No regulatory changes or significant increases in industry activity are assumed. The proposed renewal maintains existing notification, testing, recording, and reporting requirements, with comments due by October 26, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Renews Magnesium Refining NESHAP Information Collection

The EPA is seeking OMB approval to continue information collection under the NESHAP rules for primary magnesium refining (40 CFR Part 63, Subpart TTTTT). The standards require newly constructed and existing facilities with hazardous air pollutants exceeding specified thresholds to file notifications, undergo performance tests, and maintain periodic records. The renewal projects one facility respondent, an annual reporting burden of 972 hours, and $135,000 in related annualized expenses. No substantial regulatory amendments have occurred since the prior approval. Comments for this cycle are due by October 26, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FERC Releases Draft EIS for Corpus Christi LNG Expansion

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission published a draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Corpus Christi Liquefaction Stage 4 and CCPL Expansion Project in Texas. The proposal, led by Corpus Christi Liquefaction entities and Cheniere Corpus Christi Pipeline, covers new pipeline construction, a compressor station, meter stations, and expansion of liquefied natural gas export capacity. The draft EIS finds that most adverse effects from construction and operation can be mitigated to less-than-significant levels, but the visual impact of flaring would persist as a moderate, long-term concern. Public comments are accepted through November 9, 2026. Cooperating federal agencies contributed to the review and may issue separate permitting or regulatory decisions where required.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NRC Reviews Uranium Decommissioning Groundwater Standards at Homestake Grants Reclamation Project

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is reviewing Homestake Mining Company's request to amend its license for the Grants Reclamation Project, a former uranium milling site near Milan, New Mexico. The application seeks to implement alternate concentration limits for groundwater protection, replacing the existing corrective action plan. NRC staff accepted the application for technical review, noting the site's decommissioning status and Homestake's assertion that further groundwater restoration is not feasible. The amendment would revise license conditions and restrict access to groundwater in certain areas. Requests for hearing or intervention are open until November 24, 2026, and supporting documentation is available through NRC’s ADAMS database.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Western miners can match China’s speed if African governments cut red tape, KoBold president says: KoBold Metals’ president discusses how regulatory changes could accelerate Western mineral development in Africa.
• World's largest copper mine halts operations after worker death: BHP's Escondida mine in Chile suspended activity following a fatal accident involving a contract worker.
• Union at BHP's Escondida mine in Chile refuses to pause contract talks after fatal accident: Escondida workers' union elected to continue contract negotiations despite the ongoing accident investigation.
• Congo plans centralised mining investment agency under US deal, sources say: The Democratic Republic of Congo may create a centralized agency to oversee mining investments as part of an agreement with the US.
• ArcelorMittal Drops Plan to Restart Ukrainian Operations After Missile Strikes: ArcelorMittal will not resume Ukrainian steel operations due to infrastructure damage from missile attacks.
• Mercuria commits $500 million to US strategic minerals reserve initiative: Mercuria announced a $500 million investment in a US program to boost strategic minerals reserves.
• Join First Phosphate's Live Investor Webinar: Building a North American Supply Chain for LFP Battery-Grade Phosphate: First Phosphate hosts a live investor webinar on North American LFP battery-grade phosphate supply chain development.

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