Mining Regulatory Clarity Act

Summary

Mining Regulatory Clarity Act This bill allows mining operators to use federal lands for activities ancillary to mining, such as waste disposal, regardless of whether those lands contain mineral deposits valuable enough to be mined (mineral validity). It also establishes the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund. The bill addresses a 2022 decision in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit related to the Rosemont Copper Mine in Arizona (commonly known as the Rosemont decision , described further in CRS Report R48166 ). The court held that mining claims are only allowed where mineral validity has been established and that mill site claims are more appropriate means for establishing a mining waste disposal site under the Mining Act. The bill allows a mining operator to (1) locate and include within its plan of operations as many mill site claims (e.g., areas for waste rock disposal) as are reasonably necessary for its operations, and (2) use or occupy public land in accordance with an approved plan of operations. Additionally, the bill requires any revenue generated from fees for such mill site claims to be deposited into the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund. The Department of the Interior must use the fund for certain abandoned hardrock mine reclamation activities.

Summary from the Congressional Research Service. How we handle summaries

Where it stands

Out of committee and scheduled for a vote by the full chamber.

Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources · U.S. Senate

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Cosponsors

Related bills

• H.R. 1366Mining Regulatory Clarity ActRelated bill
• H.R. 4754Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026Related bill

As identified by Congress.gov.

Full history

1. Feb 11, 2026

   Reported out of committee

   Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Lee without amendment. With written report No. 119-105.

2. Feb 11, 2026

   Reported out of committee

   Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Lee without amendment. With written report No. 119-105.

3. Feb 11, 2026

   Reported out of committee

   Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Lee without amendment. With written report No. 119-105.

4. Feb 11, 2026

   Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar Under General Orders. Calendar No. 334.

   Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 334.

   U.S. Senate

5. Feb 11, 2026

   Introduced

   Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 334.

   U.S. Senate

Read the record

• Read on Congress.gov (opens in a new tab) The official record on Congress.gov.