Immediate Measures To Increase American Mineral Production
Mar 25, 2025
Mar 25, 2025
Summary
Orders federal agencies to quickly approve mining projects and use federal lands to increase the U.S. supply of important minerals for national security.
What problem does this solve?
The U.S. depends too much on unfriendly foreign countries for important minerals, which is a risk to national and economic security. This order speeds up mining permits and opens federal land to increase American mineral production and create jobs.
Who does this affect?
- Mining companies
- Federal land management agencies
- Defense and technology industries
What does this order do?
Fast-tracks approval for mining projects
Requires federal agencies to identify and immediately approve 'priority' mineral production projects to speed up the permitting process.
Opens federal lands for mining
Orders the identification of federal lands with mineral deposits and prioritizes them for mining and mineral production.
Uses defense powers to boost production
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to use the Defense Production Act (DPA) to fund and support domestic mineral production projects.
Creates a dedicated mineral investment fund
Directs the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Department of Defense to create a fund for domestic investments in mineral production.
Recommends changes to the Mining Act of 1872
Directs officials to prepare recommendations for Congress to clarify rules about mining waste under the historic Mining Act of 1872.
What is the real world impact?
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Could weaken environmental protections
Critics might argue that fast-tracking permits and prioritizing mining on federal lands could lead to rushed environmental reviews, potentially harming ecosystems and public lands.
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Boosts the domestic economy and creates jobs
By fast-tracking mining projects and opening federal lands, the order seeks to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities in the mining sector.
When does this start?
This order takes effect immediately on March 20, 2025, and sets several deadlines for federal agencies within the first 45 days.
Identify priority projects
Within 10 days, agencies must list all pending mineral projects and identify priority projects for immediate approval.
Identify federal lands for mining
Within 10 days, the Secretary of the Interior must list all federal lands known to have mineral deposits.
Submit projects to permitting dashboard
Within 15 days, the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC) must submit projects to be tracked on the public Permitting Dashboard.
Recommend changes to mining law
Within 30 days, officials must submit recommendations to Congress for clarifying the Mining Act of 1872.
Propose mineral investment fund
Within 30 days, the DFC and Department of Defense must propose a plan for a dedicated mineral investment fund.