Securing a Made in America Supply Chain for Critical Minerals

February 22, 2022, The Department of the Interior announced that it will launch a new interagency working group on reforming hard-rock mining laws, regulations and permitting policies in the United States. The group, which will inform potential rule making efforts on mining, will help support President Biden’s vision for a whole-of-government effort to promote the sustainable and responsible domestic production of critical minerals.

There is a growing need for responsibly sourced critical minerals to meet our climate, infrastructure, and global competitiveness goals. There is no single Federal agency with authority over domestic mining, and the legal framework for mining on Federal public lands was enacted in 1872 – 150 years ago – and does not provide for royalties or a comprehensive system to evaluate, permit, develop and reclaim mines.

As the Biden-Harris Administration advances its critical minerals strategy, including expanding domestic production in a timely manner, it must be ensured that the actions are conducted with strong environmental, sustainability, safety, Tribal consultation and community engagement standards so that the American public has confidence that the minerals and materials used in everyday life.