To amend the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands to make that Act applicable to hardrock minerals.

Bill Number: H.R. 3872
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Energy
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2026-06-10: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Last Updated: 2026-07-11T00:14:01Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of H.R. 3872: Amendment to the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands

Purpose

This bill aims to expand the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands (originally focused on leasing oil, gas, and certain other resources on federally acquired lands) to include hardrock minerals. By doing so, it enables the federal government to lease these minerals for extraction, promoting domestic mineral production on lands not originally owned by the U.S. but acquired later.

Key Provisions

Definition Updates in Section 2 (30 U.S.C. 351): The bill restructures and adds to the Act's definitions for clarity. It introduces a new definition for "hardrock mineral," which includes:
Deposits of minerals in sedimentary or other rocks.
Base metals (e.g., copper, zinc), precious metals (e.g., gold, silver), industrial minerals (e.g., those used in manufacturing), and precious/semi-precious gemstones.
Excludes coal, oil, oil shale, gas, sodium, potassium, sulfur, and certain mineral materials under the Materials Act of 1947 (which allows free use or sale of common materials like sand and gravel).
Expansion in Section 3 (30 U.S.C. 352): Amends the leasing authority to explicitly include "hardrock minerals" alongside existing resources like oil, gas, and sulfur, allowing the Secretary of the Interior to issue leases for their exploration and extraction on acquired lands.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Previously, the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands applied only to specific energy and non-energy minerals (e.g., oil, gas, sulfur) on acquired lands, while hardrock minerals on public domain lands were governed by separate laws like the General Mining Law of 1872 (which allows claims without leasing).
This bill integrates hardrock minerals into the leasing framework for acquired lands, shifting from a claims-based system to a lease-based one for these resources. It does not alter rules for public domain lands.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: The Department of the Interior (DOI) gains authority to manage and lease hardrock minerals on acquired lands, potentially increasing administrative workload for issuing leases, collecting royalties (typically 5-12.5% of production value), and overseeing environmental compliance.
Citizens and Economy: Could boost domestic mining jobs and supply of critical minerals (e.g., for electronics, renewable energy), reducing reliance on imports. However, it may raise concerns about environmental effects like habitat disruption or water contamination near acquired lands used for parks, military bases, or conservation.
International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but enhanced U.S. mineral production could strengthen supply chain security for global industries, indirectly affecting trade with mineral-exporting countries.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Mining Industry: Companies extracting hardrock minerals benefit from clearer leasing access to acquired lands, potentially lowering barriers compared to the claims system.
Federal Government: DOI and Congress, as they oversee land management and revenue from leases.
Environmental and Community Groups: Those advocating for land protection or living near acquired sites, who may oppose expanded mining due to ecological risks.
Consumers and Businesses: Industries relying on minerals (e.g., tech, jewelry) could see more stable domestic supplies.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Aligns acquired lands' mineral policies with broader federal leasing frameworks, potentially reducing legal disputes over which laws apply to hardrock resources. It maintains the Secretary of the Interior's discretion in lease terms, including environmental safeguards under laws like the National Environmental Policy Act.
Constitutional: No major challenges anticipated, as it involves Congress's authority over federal lands and property (Article IV, Section 3). It respects property rights by applying only to acquired (not private) lands.
Political: Supports pro-mining policies by expanding opportunities on federal lands, which could appeal to resource-dependent states but draw criticism from environmental advocates. Passed by the House on December 15, 2025, and referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on December 16, 2025, indicating ongoing bipartisan or industry-driven interest in mineral security.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Fallon, Pat [R-TX-4]

Cosponsors (2)

Rep. Moran, Nathaniel [R-TX-1], Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10]

Recent Actions

2026-06-10: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
2026-02-12: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.
2025-12-16: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
2025-12-15: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2025-12-15: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5884)
2025-12-15: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5884)
2025-12-15: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3872.
2025-12-15: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5884-5885)
2025-12-15: Mr. Stauber moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
2025-10-31: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 309.
2025-10-31: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-357.
2025-10-31: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-357.
2025-09-17: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
2025-09-17: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2025-09-17: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged

Bill Versions

An Act To amend the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands to make that Act applicable to hardrock minerals. — issued 2025-12-15 — PDF (6 pages)
Mineral Extraction for Renewable Industry and Critical Applications Act of 2025 — issued 2025-06-10 — PDF (4 pages)
An Act To amend the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands to make that Act applicable to hardrock minerals. — issued 2025-12-16 — PDF (4 pages)
To amend the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands to make that Act applicable to hardrock minerals. — issued 2025-10-31 — PDF (6 pages)