New report published: Navigate the United States’ mineral policy at the crossroads of security and innovation

Jun 8, 2025

MINRIS U.S. Mineral Policy Report offers deep insights into America’s evolving approach to critical minerals—a cornerstone of economic security, clean energy transition, and technological leadership.

Available now for purchase

This report is essential reading for policymakers shaping national strategy, investors targeting high-growth mineral assets, and industry stakeholders navigating the complex U.S. regulatory landscape. It delivers timely, actionable intelligence on how the United States is responding to geopolitical tensions, reshaping its mining laws, and catalyzing domestic critical mineral supply chains.

Table of Content

1. Introduction
    1.1 General
    1.2 Mineral Economy

2. Policy Framework
    2.1 Government Policy towards Mining and International Investment
    2.2 Critical Minerals
    2.3 Recent Political Developments Affecting the Mining Industry
    2.4 Restrictions on Foreign Investment

3. Legal Framework
    3.1 Legal System
    3.2 Ownership of Minerals
     3.2.1 Rights to Use Surface of Land
     3.2.2 Foreign Ownership and Indigenous Ownership Requirements and Restrictions
    3.3 Basic Law
     3.3.1 Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976
     3.3.2 General Mining Law of 1872
     3.3.3 Mineral Lands Leasing Act of 1920
     3.3.4 Materials Disposal Act of 1947
    3.4 Other Law

4. Responsible Ministry

5. Permitting Procedure
    5.1 Overview
    5.2 Exploration
     5.2.1 General
     5.2.2 Terms of Rights
     5.2.3 Obligations of the Holder
    5.3 Mining
     5.3.1 Tenements / Rights Available
     5.3.2 Additional Permits and Licenses
    5.4 Processing, Refining, Beneficiation, and Export
    5.5 Dealing in Rights by Means of Transferring
    5.6 Cancellation, Abandonment, and Relinquishment
    5.7 Indigenous or Local Community Rights
    5.8 Environmental
     5.8.1 Environmental Authorisations Regarding Exploration and Mining
     5.8.2 Social Responsibility Requirements under Applicable Law
     5.8.3 Closure and Remediation of Mining Projects
    5.9 Taxes and Royalties
    5.10 Mining Finance: Granting and Perfecting Security
    5.11 Foreign Investment

6. Mining Cadastre

7. Mineral Resource Potential

8. List of U.S. Critical Minerals References

9. Contact
    9.1 Congress
    9.2 Government
    9.3 Agencies
     9.3.1 EPA
     9.3.2 USGS
    9.4 Advocates
     9.4.1 Mayer Brown LLP
     9.4.2 Holland & Hart LLP
     9.4.3 Baker McKenzie
    9.5 Mining Platforms
     9.5.1 American Critical Minerals Association (ACMA)
     9.5.2 U.S. Critical Materials Corp.
     9.5.3 Critical Minerals Subcommittee (CMS)
     9.5.4 The USA Leaders
     9.5.5 U.S. Mining Industry

10. Summary and Conclusion

11. References

Key Value Highlights:

• Strategic Clarity on Critical Minerals
  With over 50 designated critical minerals including lithium, rare earth elements, and graphite, the U.S. is aggressively restructuring its policy framework to reduce import reliance—particularly on adversarial suppliers. The report maps how Executive Orders, the Energy Act of 2020, and the Inflation Reduction Act are transforming critical mineral development into a national security priority.
• New Opportunities in Domestic Mining
  The report identifies how new permitting reforms, tax credits (e.g. Section 45X), and Defense Production Act incentives are creating unparalleled openings for exploration and processing within U.S. borders. It spotlights the sectors and geographies most primed for investment and fast-tracked development.
• Regulatory Roadmaps & Investment Signals
  From the overhaul of the General Mining Law to the expansion of the “Foreign Entity of Concern” rules, this report clarifies the legal terrain and de-risks decision-making. Investors gain a clear view of how to qualify for federal incentives, while mining companies get practical guidance for securing permits, licenses, and community buy-in.
• U.S. Response to China’s Market Dominance
  This edition includes a focused analysis of China’s escalating export controls on rare earths and strategic materials—and how the U.S. is countering through new Critical Minerals Agreements (e.g. Japan), federal stockpiling strategies, and expanded international partnerships.
• Data-Driven Decision Support
  With integrated policy analysis, legal frameworks, and mineral market trends, the report equips buyers with the foresight to align their strategies with U.S. government priorities and international supply chain shifts.

Why Buy This Report?
This is not just a policy overview—it is a strategic toolkit. Whether you’re making decisions in Washington or Wall Street, Denver or downstream in Detroit, this report positions you at the intersection of security, sustainability, and market opportunity.

Invest confidently. Regulate smartly. Mine responsibly.
The U.S. Mineral Policy Report 2025 is your edge in the global critical minerals race.

Guenter Tiess

Associate Prof. Dr. Guenter Tiess is managing director of MinPol, Agency for international Mineral Policy. MinPol is also running an international network of experts of every branch in the field of minerals policy that is continuously growing. The network is already by now covering almost all continents, which emphasises the world-wide approach of MinPol. An economy geologist by training (PhD, Habilitation), he has more than fifteen years of experience in research on focused on international mineral policy, mining and sustainability.
Please visit http://www.minpol.com/references.html for relevant projects and published reports.

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