Mining trade groups are urging the US government to revive and expand the Bureau of Mines to streamline government regulation and support for critical minerals production.
US Miners Call for the Revival of the Bureau of Mines
Insiders told Reuters that the initiative will highlight the differences between the fragmented US mining oversight and the more centralized approaches in countries like Australia, where mining agencies report directly to top government officials.
Critical minerals, including lithium and copper, are vital for electronics and electric vehicle (EV) batteries, with demand expected to grow. Currently, US mining policy is handled by various agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management and the Mine Safety and Health Administration.
What Happened to the Bureau of Mines?
The Bureau of Mines was shut down in 1996 due to budget reductions. Advocates believe reviving the bureau with new responsibilities would create a cohesive policy for critical minerals, support research funding, industry grants, and loans, and enhance the US' ability to compete with China.
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