Locatable Minerals
Details
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- Title
- Locatable Minerals
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (Agency), is proposing to revise its regulations governing occupancy and use of the surface of National Forest System lands in connection with prospecting, exploration, development, mining, processing, and reclamation and reasonably incident uses authorized by U.S. mining laws and the Organic Administration Act of 1897. Regulatory revisions are needed to improve the efficiency and transparency of Forest Service regulation of locatable mineral operations conducted on National Forest System lands under the mining laws, and to minimize, to the fullest extent practicable, adverse impacts on surface resources. In addition, the revisions will support Federal policy to secure reliable and sustainable supplies of strategic and critical minerals in the United States.
- Posted
- Feb 20, 2026
- Comment period
- Feb 20, 2026 – Apr 22, 2026
- Agency
- Forest Service (FS)
- FR Doc
- 2026-03364
- CFR
- 36 CFR Part 228
Overview
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Stance breakdown
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| Organization | Intergovernmental coordination | Permitting timeframes and delays |
|---|
2 organization-typed comments could not be identified.
Explorer
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- Apr 29, 2026Valley County CommentsSupportGovernment📎 Attachment
The Valley County Board of County Commissioners supports the proposed rule's intent to modernize regulations for locatable minerals and improve administrative efficiency. They request specific improvements regarding the inclusion of local governments in pre-submittal meetings, recognition as cooperating agencies, and requirements for analyzing off-site transportation impacts.
Read comment → - Apr 17, 2026228A Comment Letter Eastern Oregon Mining Association (002)SupportTrade association📎 Attachment
The Eastern Oregon Mining Association supports the proposed revisions but argues that they do not go far enough to streamline the permitting process or protect the rights of mining claim owners. They advocate for more specific exemptions for small-scale operations, clearer definitions of "limited operations," and more predictable timelines for Forest Service reviews and financial assurance approvals.
Read comment →