September 27, 2026 to October 03, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Trump Administration to Back $15 Billion Mesabi Metallics Steel Mill and First U.S. Iron Ore Mine in 50 Years

President Donald Trump’s administration announced construction of a $15 billion Mesabi Metallics steel mill in Iowa. According to the White House, the facility will tap iron ore from a new Minnesota mine, the first major U.S. iron ore project in half a century. The mill is expected to produce 7.5 million tons of steel per year in its initial phase, scaling up to 10 million tons, and generate 1,750 permanent jobs and 6,000 construction jobs. Over a decade, projected economic output stands at $95 billion. The White House linked these developments to policy reversals over mining and steel production restrictions from prior administrations, as well as regulatory and permitting changes. The announcement detailed that U.S. crude steel output in 2025 surpassed that of Japan, and domestic production now supplies 84% of the U.S. finished steel market, up from 77% in 2024. Steel imports continue to decline in parallel with reforms and tariffs.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

White House Highlights Largest-Ever Steel Plant Investment in Iowa and Supply Chain Integration

The White House publicized a $15 billion investment by Mesabi Metallics to build the nation’s largest steel complex in Iowa. The plan calls for 1,750 permanent jobs and a $95 billion economic impact over ten years. Local officials in Iowa, including Governor Kim Reynolds, as well as the congressional delegation, weighed in on the project's expected benefits to state and national security, employment, and manufacturing. Industry leadership from Mesabi Metallics emphasized the investment’s expected support for domestic supply chains, particularly across defense, energy, and infrastructure sectors. The project is positioned as a significant catalyst for Lee County and the Midwest.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Cleveland-Cliffs Granted Provisional Renewal for Exemption on Hours of Service and Safety Equipment for Steel Operations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration renewed and consolidated two existing exemptions for Cleveland-Cliffs Steel LLC. The renewal, effective through March 23, 2027, provisionally allows company-employed drivers to work up to 16 consecutive hours and return after at least 8 hours off duty when moving steel coils or scrap metal between East Chicago, Indiana facility locations. Specialized coil carriers receive exemptions on certain vehicle equipment standards, with scrap trucks remaining subject to usual safety rules. The agency noted that Cliffs has reported no safety incidents related to these exemptions over the past decade. The renewal keeps in place specific operational boundaries, including low-speed crossings at defined public road sections, and maintains FMCSA notification and reporting requirements following any accidents involving exempted vehicles.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

BLM Advances Resource Management Plan Amendment for Western Quarry Limestone Project in Nevada

The Bureau of Land Management announced its intent to amend the Winnemucca District Resource Management Plan to enable the Western Quarry Limestone Project in Humboldt County, Nevada. Lithium Nevada LLC, a subsidiary of Lithium Americas Corporation, has submitted a Mining and Reclamation Plan for the proposed 874-acre open pit limestone quarry, including 474 acres of planned surface disturbance and a projected 40-year operational timeline. The proposal would revise 872.5 acres of the district’s Visual Resource Management classification from Class II to Class III. This action launches a 30-day public scoping period through October 28, 2026. BLM will use a combined environmental assessment and planning process and will incorporate input from stakeholders—tribal, federal, state, and local.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

BLM Seeks OMB Review for Continued Resource Management Planning Information Collection

The Bureau of Land Management filed for a three-year extension of OMB Control Number 1004-0212, regarding Resource Management Planning. The action would enable continued collection of information from state, local, and tribal governments, the private sector, and individuals for purposes of land use planning under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act. The notice invites public comment before October 30, 2026, specifically targeting burdens, quality of data, and methodology for this paperwork collection. Annually, BLM expects about 131 respondents at an average of 15 hours per response.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Pentagon Joins $134 Million Raise for Startup to Make U.S. Iron for Rare-Earth Magnets: The Pentagon participated in a major funding round to support domestic iron supply for rare-earth magnet manufacturing.
• Six years after a mining reboot, Egypt's gold ambitions start to take shape: Egypt advances large-scale gold mining efforts six years after modern policy reforms were introduced.
• Ghana bill would give state special share rights in mining firms, draft shows: Ghana’s draft legislation could enable the government to hold special ownership rights in mining companies.
• Panama panel recommends First Quantum mine restart to fund phased closure: A Panama commission suggests restarting a major copper mine to fund its gradual closure.
• Miners bound to megadeal playbook in pursuit of global scale: Mining companies are pursuing large-scale mergers to achieve global reach and operational scale.
• COMMENTARY: Energy Watch: Big Oil's big rethink: Oil sector companies are reconsidering long-term strategies amid shifting market dynamics.
• Senate reaches bipartisan deal on permitting bill to speed approvals of new energy projects: The U.S. Senate has forged a bipartisan agreement to expedite permitting for new energy infrastructure.

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