H.R. 3872
Makes acquired federal lands eligible for hardrock mineral leases
Makes federally acquired lands eligible for hardrock mineral leases under the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands, covering metals, gems, and industrial minerals.
- All federally acquired lands could be considered for hardrock mineral leasing
- Hardrock minerals include base metals, precious metals, industrial minerals, and gemstones
- Coal, oil, gas, sodium, potassium, sulfur, and some mineral materials are excluded
- Currently, hardrock mining on these lands is allowed only if a land-acquisition law specifically permits it
Passed the House · Senate's turn