Finding ORE Act
The Finding ORE Act would authorize the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the U.S. Geological Survey, to enter into memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with heads of agencies of partner foreign countries to pursue scientific and technical cooperation in mapping critical minerals and rare earth elements. The bill aims to strengthen the security and resilience of global supply chains for these minerals by promoting cooperation, private-sector involvement, and investment while safeguarding mapping data from unauthorized access by non-allied countries. It also directs interagency coordination (including with the State Department), provides for private-sector consultation, and requires congressional notification and reporting before entering into MOUs. A separate policy goal is to prioritize onshoring of processing activities for critical minerals. Key elements include a defined set of cooperative activities (data collection and analysis, mapping and resource assessment, training, education, and standards), a right of first refusal for U.S. or allied private-sector entities in further development, and financing mechanisms that favor investment in processing within the United States or allied countries. The act preserves the core authority of the U.S. Geological Survey and adds reporting and oversight provisions to Congress.
Key Points
- 1Authority to enter MOUs: The Secretary may negotiate and enter into memoranda of understanding with partner foreign countries to pursue scientific and technical cooperation in mapping critical minerals and rare earth elements.
- 2Objectives and private-sector incentives: MOUs should strengthen security/resilience of international mineral supply chains, offer U.S. or allied-country private-sector entities a right of first refusal in further development, and facilitate private-sector investment (including leveraging financing from U.S. development finance and export-credit agencies) prioritized for processing in the United States or an allied country.
- 3Cooperative activities: The MOU framework covers a range of activities, including data acquisition/analysis (geologic, geophysical, geochemical, remote sensing), prospectivity mapping, mineral-resource assessment, data interpretation, capacity building, education and training in geoscience and mineral resource management, and collaboration among U.S. and partner-country institutions and private entities.
- 4Oversight, notification, and interagency coordination: The Secretary must notify Congress 30 days before entering an MOU and provide a detailed report on partners, scope, activities, costs, and funding sources. The Secretary must obtain concurrence from the Secretary of State on prioritization, negotiation, implementation, and reporting. Private-sector input must be sought to inform prioritization and to promote private-sector interest.
- 5Sense of Congress and definitions: The Act expresses a sense of Congress that onshoring critical mineral processing should be prioritized where practicable. Definitions clarify terms such as allied foreign country (NATO members or major non-NATO allies), critical minerals, rare earth elements, and the Secretary’s role (Secretary of the Interior via USGS).
- 6Savings clause: The Act does not diminish existing authorities of the U.S. Geological Survey or related law, ensuring continuity with existing federal functions.