Henrico Times

Congressman Rob Wittman and Congresswoman Kathy Castor have introduced the Finding Opportunities for Resource Exploration (ORE) Act, aimed at strengthening U.S. mineral security and international partnerships. The legislation, involving the U.S. Department of the Interior, is designed to enhance cooperation in scientific mapping and exploration of critical minerals and rare earth elements.

Senators Chris Coons, Todd Young, John Cornyn, and John Hickenlooper have put forward companion legislation in the Senate. The bill is supported by U.S. Representatives John Moolenaar, Mike Lawler, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Chrissy Houlahan, Haley Stevens, Ritchie Torres, and Carlos Gimenez.

The Finding ORE Act seeks to address the increasing demand for critical minerals, which are essential for clean energy technologies and defense capabilities. It authorizes the U.S. Geological Survey, under the Secretary of the Interior, to establish formal agreements with allied foreign countries for mineral mapping and resource assessment.

Representative Wittman stated, “Critical minerals and rare earth elements are the building blocks of our modern economy and our national security.” He emphasized the importance of identifying and responsibly developing these resources in collaboration with allied nations to strengthen supply chains and promote U.S. leadership in mineral exploration.

Representative Castor highlighted the national security implications of relying on adversarial nations for critical minerals. She noted that the legislation would leverage U.S. expertise in geologic mapping to promote sustainable development through international partnerships. “The Finding ORE Act leverages our expertise in geologic mapping to promote the sustainable development of critical mineral supply chains through international partnerships,” Castor said.

Senator Coons emphasized the necessity of the act for ensuring access to essential materials for innovation and economic growth. “The Finding ORE Act makes sure that our nation will have access to the essential materials we need to keep innovating, growing our economy, and deterring our enemies,” he said.

Senator Young pointed out the potential of updating geological mapping through collaboration. “Our bill would create opportunities for collaboration between the United States and these countries to update geological mapping with the goal of locating critical mineral deposits,” Young stated.

Senators Hickenlooper and Cornyn also voiced their support, identifying the critical role of such minerals in addressing climate change and strengthening national security.

The bill sets out several objectives, including assisting partner countries with critical mineral mapping, ensuring private companies from the U.S. have the right of first refusal on development projects, and safeguarding mapping data from non-allied countries. It encourages USGS collaboration with the State Department and the private sector to prioritize strategic partnerships.

Endorsements for the bill come from several organizations, including Securing America’s Future Energy, American Critical Minerals Association, Bipartisan Policy Center Action, Terra AI, and the Colorado School of Mines.

Abigail Hunter from SAFE highlighted the strategic importance of the bill, stating it positions the U.S. to develop next-generation mineral deposits. “This bill changes that. It positions the United States—our geological experts and industry—to help identify and potentially develop the next generation of great deposits,” Hunter explained.

Sarah Venuto from ACMA welcomed the bipartisan effort, emphasizing the importance of expanding the U.S. knowledge base and strengthening alliances.

The Finding ORE Act represents a concerted effort to enhance U.S. leadership in global mineral exploration and secure the nation's access to critical resources.