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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Dates: 2026-02-15 to 2026-02-21

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• House Natural Resources Subcommittee Holds Legislative Hearing on Mining Bills: The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources will hold a hearing on February 24, 2026, at 15:30 ET in Longworth 1334, to consider bills including H.R. 1501 (Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025), H.R. 2969 (Finding ORE Act), H.R. 4781 (RESCUE Act), H.R. 5929 (Critical Minerals Supply Chain Resiliency Act), and H.R. 7126 (SECURE Minerals Act of 2026).
• Senate Armed Services Committee Meeting: Rebuilding American Critical Minerals Supply Chains: The Senate Armed Services Committee will meet on February 24, 2026, at 14:30 ET in Hart 216 to examine the rebuilding of American supply chains for critical minerals.
• Senate Foreign Relations Closed Briefing on Tech Competition and Critical Minerals Security: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a closed briefing on tech competition, critical minerals, and supply chain security at Capitol Visitor Center 217, February 26, 2026, 15:00 ET.

Federal Government News

Forest Service Proposes Rule Changes for Locatable Minerals Operations

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service announced proposed revisions to regulations governing locatable mineral operations on National Forest System lands, aiming to improve efficiency and regulatory clarity. Changes include new thresholds for requiring plans of operations, enhanced compliance and financial assurance requirements, and alignment with Bureau of Land Management regulations. The rule clarifies procedures for operating on segregated or withdrawn lands and introduces trust funds for long-term post-closure obligations. A regulatory impact analysis found minimal economic effect on small businesses. Public comments are invited until April 21, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

BLM Final Rule Rescinds Acreage Limitations for Solid Minerals Leasing

The Bureau of Land Management issued a final rule confirming rescission of statewide acreage limitations for hardrock mineral permits and leases, following prior direct final rule publication, effective March 23, 2026. The action removes statutory exemptions regarding acreage limits. BLM noted that environmental compliance remains case-by-case and the rule is administrative, responding to concerns from environmental groups about potential impacts. The rule aims to reduce regulatory burdens and was found to comply with procedural requirements under the Administrative Procedure Act.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

OSMRE Reverts Coal Regulatory Oversight to 2020 Rule, Streamlining TDN Process

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) rescinded the 2024 'Ten-Day Notices and Corrective Action for State Regulatory Program Issues' rule, reverting to the 2020 version with some modifications. The final rule reinstates procedures requiring OSMRE to consider all readily available information, expands clarity on definitions, and positions action plans as 'appropriate action' in response to violations. The adjusted process introduces flexibility for coordination with state authorities and aims to minimize unnecessary federal oversight and duplication. The rule became effective March 23, 2026; additional regulatory, NEPA, and impact statements concluded that no major federal action or significant economic impact will result.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Announces Availability of Environmental Impact Statements

The Environmental Protection Agency published notice of Environmental Impact Statements filed between February 9 and February 13, 2026. EISs include a Final Record of Decision for the Buffalo-Amherst-Tonawanda Corridor Transit Expansion (FTA), a Final EIS for the TRISO-X Special Nuclear Material License Application for a Fuel Fabrication Facility in Tennessee (NRC), and a Draft EIS for Locatable Minerals (US Forest Service). Comments on the Locatable Minerals draft EIS are due by April 21, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Invokes Defense Production Act for Elemental Phosphorus and Glyphosate Herbicides

President Trump signed an executive order delegating authority to the Secretary of Agriculture to ensure domestic supply of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides under the Defense Production Act. The order cites the criticality of these materials for national defense, semiconductors, weapon systems, batteries, and agriculture, noting the scarcity of domestic production and reliance on imports. The Secretary is empowered to manage contracts, allocate resources, and issue regulations, including safeguarding domestic producer viability. The order is to be implemented consistent with available appropriations and statutory obligations.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

H.R. 1501: Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025

The Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025 (H.R. 1501) was referred to the House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources. The bill addresses energy and mineral policy with a focus on domestic mining. No further action is reported as of February 17, 2026.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Ripple by The Washington Post: Trump's administration weighs policy moves affecting rare earths, mining workforce, and education amid ongoing China tensions.
• Sibanye still committed to battery metals despite lithium impairment, CEO says: Sibanye Stillwater's CEO announced continued commitment to battery metals, despite recognizing an impairment on lithium assets.
• Indonesia tightens control on nickel as the US and China scramble for critical minerals: Indonesia strengthens nickel export controls as US and China compete for critical minerals essential to battery manufacturing.
• Alcoa to pay $39 million after illegally clearing Australian native forest: Alcoa will pay $39 million in fines for unauthorized clearing of native forest at its Australian bauxite mining site.
• Brazil and India agree to boost cooperation on rare earths: Brazil and India signed an agreement to deepen collaboration on rare earths and mining as renewable energy demand accelerates.
• India, Brazil sign mining pact as Modi targets $20 billion trade in five years: India and Brazil formalized a mining partnership aiming to increase bilateral trade to $20 billion within five years.
• Rio Tinto annual earnings flat as iron ore weakens, copper cushions blow: Rio Tinto posted flat annual profits, with copper performance offsetting weakened iron ore earnings.

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