Sponsors (5)
The bill aims to strengthen U.S. critical-mineral supply chains and support domestic and allied industry and research, but it does so at the risk of higher costs, market distortions, taxpayer exposure, potential diplomatic friction, and limits on open scientific collaboration.
American defense industries, technology manufacturers, and taxpayers benefit from reduced reliance on adversary-controlled mineral sources because the bill maps partner-country reserves and prioritizes U.S./allied supply chains, improving supply resilience for defense and advanced-technology supply chains.
U.S.-based manufacturers, downstream industries, and allied-headquartered firms gain more business opportunities as the bill encourages domestic processing and gives U.S./allied companies prioritized access (rights of first refusal) to new critical-mineral projects.
Federal scientists, USGS staff, and Congress get clearer rules and preserved authorities—statutory definitions and a requirement for congressional notification before MOUs streamline implementation and increase legislative oversight of critical-mineral programs.
Middle-class families, consumers, and businesses could face higher costs because prioritizing domestic processing and advantaging certain firms may be more expensive than imports and could require federal subsidies.
Financial firms, non-allied competitors, and some project developers may be disadvantaged and competition reduced because the bill gives privileged project access to U.S./allied companies, which can distort markets and potentially raise project costs.
U.S. taxpayers and the federal budget could be exposed to greater spending and overseas project risks because the bill contemplates using State Department funds, requires State concurrence, and may prompt subsidies or other federal financial commitments.
Based on analysis of 5 sections of legislative text.
Allows the USGS to make MOUs with partner countries to map critical minerals, support investment, offer U.S./allied firms first refusal, and protect mapping data.
Introduced April 10, 2025 by Christopher A. Coons · Last progress April 10, 2025
Authorizes the U.S. Geological Survey to sign memoranda of understanding with partner foreign countries to cooperate on mapping critical minerals and rare earth elements. The agreements can fund and carry out geologic and remote-sensing surveys, build partner-country mapping capacity, foster scientific and higher-education cooperation, encourage private investment, give U.S.- or allied-headquartered companies a right of first refusal to develop discovered resources, and require protections for mapping data. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to notify and report to relevant congressional committees at least 30 days before entering an agreement, obtain concurrence from the Secretary of State on country selection and implementation (including use of State Department funds), and consult private-sector actors. The act preserves existing authorities of the USGS Director and does not itself appropriate new funds or change other statutory authorities.