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HOUSE · HR #3872
This bill specifies that all federally acquired lands are eligible to be considered for hardrock mineral leasing under the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands (MLAAL). The bill defines the term hardrock mineral to (1) include deposits of minerals found in sedimentary or other rocks, base metals, precious metals, industrial minerals, and precious and semi-precious gemstones; and (2) exclude deposits of coal, oil, oil shale, gas, sodium, potassium, sulfur, or mineral materials subject to disposition under the Materials Act of 1947.
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descriptionOfficial Summary
Source: Congress.govBy way of background, hardrock minerals are not currently listed under the MLAAL as deposits subject to a lease, while mineral resources such as coal, phosphate, oil, gas, gilsonite, and sulfur are listed. As a result, federal lands may be leased for mining hardrock minerals only if the federal lands were acquired under a statute, such as the Weeks Act, that specifically authorizes the land to be used for hardrock mineral leasing.
Latest ActionsIn Committee
See all 19 → Feb 12, 2026 · Latest
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.
Dec 16, 2025
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Dec 15, 2025
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5884)
#Alaska #Land transfers #Licensing and registrations #Metals #Mining #Oil and gas
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