October 11, 2026 to October 17, 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

NOAA Receives Application for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration License in the Pacific Ocean

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has received an application from Eco Minerals, Inc. to conduct seabed mining exploration in the Pacific, targeting the Clarion-Clipperton Zone and an area between Guam and Wake Island under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act. NOAA will hold a virtual public hearing on November 16, 2026, accepting written comments until December 14, 2026. Attendance is capped at 1,000 participants, who must register by November 12 to speak during the event. Details are available on regulations.gov (docket NOAA-NOS-2026-2608); written comments must meet submission guidelines and deadlines. The department will publish transcripts and make application materials available for inspection.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

BSEE Initiates OMB Review on Well Operations and Equipment Reporting

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement has proposed a renewed information collection (OMB 1014-0028) related to well operations and equipment under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The collection covers drilling, workover, completion, and decommissioning activities, including requirements for equipment testing, Blowout Preventer maintenance, third-party reviews, and rig tracking via Form BSEE-0144. Updates expand rig type and operation documentation and add certification statements. The process affects approximately 550 OCS lessees/operators, with an estimated 150,335 annual responses, totaling 353,355 hours of burden and $11,891,400 in nonhour costs. Mandatory responses vary in frequency, and public comments are invited by November 16, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

BSEE Seeks Comments on Application for Permit to Drill Information Collection

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement has announced an OMB review and comment period for renewing the Application for Permit to Drill (APD) collection, including APD and Supplemental APD Information Sheet (Forms BSEE-0123 and BSEE-0123S) mandated by 30 CFR part 250. The review's purpose is to assess drilling activity, well locations, geologic formations, equipment, safety measures, and environmental compliance among OCS oil, gas, and sulfur operators. Estimated annual responses are 10,820, with a burden of 49,446 hours and nonhour costs of $299,876. Public feedback on necessity, accuracy, and burden is open until November 16, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

MSHA Confirms Affirmative Decisions on Safety Standard Modification Petitions

The Mine Safety and Health Administration announced affirmative decisions on petitions for modification of mining safety standards under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act for seven operators, covering electric equipment, portable cables, diesel equipment, refuge areas, fan examinations, and refuse piles. Petitions, field investigations, and alternative methods were reviewed and granted in whole or part between January and June 2026. Final decisions are available on MSHA’s website or for inspection. Operators include Patton Mining (IL), Knight Hawk Coal (IL), Century Mining (WV), Kennecott Utah Copper (UT), Greenbrier Smokeless Coal Mining (WV), Kepler Processing (WV), and Marfork Coal Company (WV).

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

President Trump Visits Montana and Alaska, Reviewing Resource and Critical Mineral Projects

President Trump visited Montana and Alaska during the week, outlining achievements in energy, mining, and infrastructure. In Montana, coal mining expansion at Spring Creek, Rosebud, and Bull Mountains was noted alongside critical minerals production from U.S. Antimony Corporation. Land management reforms and nuclear deterrent modernization advances at Malmstrom AFB were specified. In Alaska, development included reopening 82% of the National Petroleum Reserve, further oil and mineral projects, and a $54 billion natural gas pipeline. The administration reported reductions in crime rates, highlighted infrastructure upgrades, and referenced military investments such as the $7 billion Fighter Town USA project at JBER.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov

USGS Solicits Feedback for Renewal of Consolidated Consumers' Report on Metals and Ferroalloys

The U.S. Geological Survey requests public comment on proposed renewal of the Consolidated Consumers' Report, collecting domestic consumption data for 12 metals and ferroalloys under OMB Control Number 1028-0070. This data is used in key USGS publications and guides Defense National Stockpile goals. In 2026, the estimated respondents number 251, with 1,373 annual responses averaging 45 minutes each and a total burden of 1,030 hours. Participation is voluntary without non-hour costs, and comments on necessity, timeliness, and burden are due by November 12, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

MSHA Receives Modification Petitions for Safety Equipment Standards at Panther Creek Mining, WV

Panther Creek Mining, LLC submitted three separate petitions to MSHA for Maple Eagle East Deep Mine, Fayette County, WV, seeking modifications to standards 30 CFR 75.1002(a), 75.500(d), and 75.507-1(a to allow modern battery-powered non-permissible surveying equipment (Topcon 3005 LW and Nikon Nivo 5.M) in pillar workings, last open crosscuts, and return airways. Petitions cite obsolescence of mechanical surveying gear and propose alternate protocols, including inspection, methane monitoring, training, and maintenance logs. MSHA will accept comments until November 16, 2026 and inspect equipment for compliance.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

Labor Department Requests OMB Review for Coal Mine Operator Responses Related to Black Lung Claims

The Department of Labor seeks OMB approval for the Black Lung Benefits Act information collection related to operator responses to claim schedules and notices. Forms CM-2970 and CM-2970a, administered by the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, notify coal operators of potential liability and allow evidence submission on claims filed after January 19, 2001. Key details include OMB Control Number 1240-0033, 8,230 estimated respondents, 11,470 annual responses, a 2,644-hour annual time burden, and $2,923 in annual costs. Public comments are invited until November 16, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• CoTec and Battery Mineral Resources Enter Strategic Partnership to Unlock Additional Copper Production and Growth Opportunities at Punitaqui: CoTec and Battery Mineral Resources agreed to a partnership on copper production at Punitaqui.
• This Copper Mine Led to a Civil War. Can Reopening It Fund a New Nation?: Panguna mine's reopening in Bougainville is being debated as a source of funds for the island's independence.
• Robert Price is sitting on a $1 trillion frozen goldmine. Then Dr. Phil got involved: Greenland’s vast mineral resources attract investment interest, with public figures including Dr. Phil involved.
• Denmark says US resource exploration in Greenland must respect local laws: Denmark clarifies that US mineral exploration in Greenland requires compliance with local legislation.
• Major development banks step up support for critical minerals value chains: Development banks are increasing support for critical minerals supply chains globally.
• How Aramco learned to keep pumping oil under fire: Aramco continues oil production amid challenging circumstances.

.