Today, the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a hearing on two bills focused on unleashing Minnesota's untapped mineral potential. Subcommittee Chairman Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) released the following statement in response:

"It’s unacceptable that the Biden Administration continues to look abroad for minerals instead of mining domestically. Mining is our past, our present and our future in northern Minnesota. We have a vast mineral wealth, second only to Alaska in the United States, and we have a great union workforce that could mine these minerals under the best environmental and labor standards. Yet, the Biden Administration has banned mining in 225,000 acres of the Superior National Forest where mining is a desired condition. All options are on the table to overturn this ban, and the two legislative proposals discussed at today’s hearing are possibilities we’re looking at moving forward to get shovels in the ground and secure our domestic mineral supply chains."

Background

The Duluth Complex in northern Minnesota is home to some of America's largest deposits of minerals – including copper, nickel, cobalt and platinum group metals – which will see massive increases in demand. Developing these deposits will provide a significant economic boost to the region and the nation, yet the Biden administration continues to block progress and prevent mining projects moving forward. H. Con. Res. 34 conveys the House of Representatives' official disproval of these recent actions that will stifle good-paying jobs and keep our industries from building in America.

The Superior National Forest Restoration Act reverses a recent the Biden administration's recent mineral withdrawal in the area, requires the timely review of any pending mine plans and directs the resissuance of any mineral leases or permits in the area improperly canceled since the beginning of the administration.