Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL) has introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to improve the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) ability to map critical minerals geologically.
Named the Finding Opportunities for Resource Exploration (Finding ORE) Act, Rep. Castor's bill seeks to give the United States a competitive advantage over China in the critical mineral production industry by establishing memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with foreign allies.
Specifically, the Finding ORE Act says the MOU commits the partner country to offer a right of first refusal to private companies based in the United States or an allied country to further develop mapped critical minerals. Additionally, the MOUs would spur investment in critical mineral development in the partner country through the U.S. Development Finance Corporation and Export-Import Bank and ensure that mapping data remains secure from opposing governments or private entities.
"America's dependence on adversarial nations for critical minerals poses a significant threat to our national security and our clean energy future," said Rep. Castor in her press release, adding, "The Finding ORE Act leverages our expertise in geologic mapping to promote the sustainable development of critical mineral supply chains through international partnerships. This legislation will make our nation safer and stronger while supporting our strategic alliances. I'm grateful to my bipartisan colleagues for working together to enhance U.S. leadership in the clean energy transition."
Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), who is introducing the Senate companion bill, said, "Access to a reliable supply chain of critical minerals is essential to meet our nation's defense, manufacturing, and energy needs."
"By shoring up alliances with trusted allies and promoting geological mapping of critical mineral reserves, this legislation would ensure America has the resources needed to keep up with global demand and bolster both our mineral security and national security in the years ahead," Sen. Cornyn added.
In July, former Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced a similar bill, the Global Strategy for Securing Critical Minerals Act of 2024, to counter China's strategic monopoly over resources.
