Is Trump Going to Waive Environmental Rules for Mine Projects?

Advisers for President-elect Donald Trump are pushing to bypass environmental reviews for critical minerals mining projects that receive federal funding, according to a document reviewed by Reuters.

The proposal targets the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), a landmark 1970 law that mandates federal reviews for major projects on public lands. Waiving these requirements could accelerate production of materials needed for electric vehicles, electronics, and weapons, as the US seeks to compete with China’s dominance in critical minerals.

Trump hasn’t discussed his stance on the issue, and the recommendations come from “outsiders who have no role in charting administration policy,” said Jason Miller, a senior adviser for the transition.

The recommendations come as several major mining projects from companies including Rio Tinto, BHP, Antofagasta, and Perpetua Resources have remained in regulatory review for over a decade. During Trump’s previous term, his administration capped NEPA reviews at 300 pages and shortened timelines — measures later reversed under President Biden.

Environmental groups defend NEPA as crucial for ensuring public input and consideration of climate impacts when federal lands are developed. They have raised concerns about federal grants and loans effectively pre-approving mines before environmental reviews are complete.

While Trump has suggested imposing broad tariffs on battery materials with ally exemptions, some mining executives prefer reforming the permit process instead. One executive described the tariff approach as a “sledgehammer” solution to trade issues.

Unlike oil companies, mining firms extract metals from federal lands without paying royalties, under provisions dating back to the General Mining Law of 1872.


Information for this story was found via the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Leave a Reply

Video Articles

We’re At The Start of a Great Silver Boom | Ross McElroy & Andy Bowering – Apollo Silver Corp

Equinox Gold Q1 Earnings: When Everything Goes Wrong

SSR Mining Q1 Earnings: Costs Continue To Climb

Recommended

First Majestic Makes Second Major Discovery At Santa Elena In Just A Year

PTX Metals Hits 235.1 Metres Of Copper, Nickel Mineralization In Longest Intercept To Date At W2

Related News

Is the Canadian Government Blocking Zijin’s $130 Million Move on Solaris?

In a significant development for Solaris Resources Inc. (TSX: SLS), the Canadian government is reportedly...

Monday, February 5, 2024, 07:44:48 AM

Tariffs Are Coming For Critical Minerals In US

US President Joe Biden recently unveiled a series of measures directed for an increase in...

Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 10:07:26 AM

Canadian Sanctions on Russian Titanium Lead to Waivers Amid Supply Challenges

Amidst supply challenges in the aerospace industry, Ottawa has reportedly granted waivers to Airbus and...
Sunday, May 5, 2024, 09:26:00 AM

Canada Launches $1.5-Billion Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund

Ottawa is set to tackle federal support for the critical minerals sector. Minister of Energy...

Wednesday, November 1, 2023, 08:33:42 AM

U.S. Department of Energy Unveils 2023 Critical Materials Assessment

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has recently released its highly anticipated 2023 Critical Materials...

Thursday, August 3, 2023, 07:34:00 AM