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US HR2969

US HR2969
Finding ORE Act Finding Opportunities for Resource Exploration Act


summary

Introduced
04/17/2025
In Committee
04/17/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

119th Congress

Bill Summary

A BILL To allow the Secretary of the Interior to enter into memoranda of understanding for the purpose of scientific and technical cooperation in the mapping of critical minerals and rare earth elements, and for other purposes.

AI Summary

This bill, known as the Finding Opportunities for Resource Exploration (Finding ORE) Act, authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with foreign countries for scientific and technical cooperation in mapping critical minerals and rare earth elements. The bill defines key terms such as "critical minerals" (as specified in the Energy Act), "rare earth elements" (a list of 17 specific elements), and distinguishes between "allied foreign countries" (those with mutual defense agreements) and "partner foreign countries" (sources of critical minerals). The MOUs aim to enhance international supply chain security for these minerals by assisting partner countries in mapping mineral reserves, ensuring U.S. or allied companies have first refusal rights for development, facilitating private sector investment, and protecting mapping data from unauthorized access by non-allied countries. Cooperative activities under these MOUs include geological data collection and analysis, resource mapping, scientific collaboration, training, and capacity building. The Secretary must notify Congress before entering an MOU, collaborate with the Secretary of State in selecting and negotiating with partner countries, and consult with private sector actors to ensure the MOUs align with industry interests and development potential.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (12)

Last Action

Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. (on 04/17/2025)

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