Finding ORE Act

This bill lets the Interior Department, through the U.S. Geological Survey, make agreements with other countries to map and study critical minerals and rare earth elements. These are materials needed for things like electronics and clean energy. Partner countries are ones that produce these minerals, and “allied” countries are those with U.S. defense agreements. The goal is to make supply chains more secure, help map mineral deposits, and keep the data safe from countries that are not allies or part of the agreement .

The bill also aims to give U.S. and allied companies the first chance to develop any new finds, encourage private investment (including support from DFC and EXIM Bank for projects that process minerals in the U.S. or an allied country), and build skills through training and work with universities. The work can include remote sensing, geologic surveys, mapping, data analysis, and teaching environmental and workplace standards. Interior must consult the private sector, work with the State Department on picking partners, and notify Congress 30 days before signing any agreement .

Key points

• Who is affected: Interior/USGS, partner countries that supply these minerals, U.S. and allied companies, universities, and local officials who receive training .
• What changes: Allows international agreements to map minerals; offers U.S. and allied companies the first chance to develop; promotes investment; protects mapping data; includes training and education efforts .
• When: No set start date is listed, but Interior must give Congress 30 days’ notice before entering an agreement.