United StatesBill would make the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands cover hardrock minerals like metals and gemstones
If it becomes law, the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands would apply to hardrock minerals, such as base metals, precious metals, and gemstones, and the bill defines what counts.
What it does
The Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands would apply to hardrock minerals, not just the minerals it names now.
Hardrock minerals would include metals, industrial minerals, and gemstones, but not coal, oil, gas, sodium, potassium, sulfur, or common materials like sand and gravel.
Argument forA clear definition and a listed place in the Act could give mining companies and the government one set of rules for hardrock minerals on acquired lands.
Argument againstOpening acquired lands to hardrock mineral leasing could bring mining activity near communities and natural areas, which some residents might not want.
More detail
Section 3 of the Act would add hardrock minerals to its list of covered minerals. The amendment applies under the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands, which uses the term acquired lands.
The Act would define hardrock minerals to include minerals found in sedimentary or other rocks, base metals, precious metals, industrial minerals, and gemstones. The definition leaves out coal, oil, oil shale, gas, sodium, potassium, sulfur, and minerals sold under the Materials Act of 1947.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Sep 17Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Lee without amendment. Without written report.Latest
- Sep 17Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 669.
- Jun 10Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- Feb 12Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-305.
- 2025
- Dec 16Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Dec 15Mr. Stauber moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- Dec 15Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5884-5885)
- Dec 15DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3872.
- Dec 15Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5884)Passed House
- Dec 15Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Oct 31Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-357.
- Oct 31Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 309.
- Sep 17Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged
- Sep 17Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Sep 17Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
- Sep 3Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Jul 2Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
- Jun 10Introduced in House
- Jun 10Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.Introduced
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