More domestic hardrock mining would be possible under Republican legislation introduced in the Senate Tuesday.
The legislation, obtained by Bloomberg Government, would make eligible for hardrock mineral leasing all federally acquired lands under the 1947 Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands. Hardrock minerals—including iron, copper, zinc, and steel, as well as precious metals like gold and silver—aren’t currently listed under that law as leasable deposits.
The US relies heavily on other countries such as China for production, processing, and refining of many critical minerals. Republicans and Democrats have debated the best way to increase domestic development of critical minerals ...