MERICA Act of 2025

This bill would expand the federal leasing system to cover “hardrock minerals” on certain federal lands the government has acquired. In short, it applies the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands to these minerals and adds “hardrock minerals” to the list of materials that can be leased under that law. It also spells out what counts as a hardrock mineral: things like base and precious metals, industrial metals, gemstones, and other minerals found in rock. It does not include coal, oil, oil shale, gas, sodium, potassium, sulfur, or common materials already covered by the Materials Act of 1947.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Hardrock mineral projects on federal lands the government has acquired, and the federal agencies that manage those lands.
• What changes: These minerals would be managed through leases under the existing Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands; the bill adds a definition of “hardrock mineral” and updates the list of leasable materials to include them.
• When: Would take effect if it becomes law; the provided text focuses on applying leasing rules and definitions, and does not describe new fees or environmental standards.