The Trump administration has added 10 more U.S. mining projects to a fast-track permitting list aimed at expanding critical minerals production across the country, reported Reuters. The latest addition brings the total number of projects to 20.
The projects, which would supply copper, palladium and other minerals, have been granted FAST-41 status, a federal initiative launched in 2015 to streamline approvals of critical infrastructure.
All of the projects are listed on a U.S. federal website, where their permitting progress can be publicly tracked, part of what the administration calls a push for greater transparency and faster permitting.
The latest 10 include a proposed copper-nickel mine in Minnesota from NewRange Copper Nickel, a joint venture between Glencore and Teck Resources; the Roca Honda uranium project in New Mexico from Energy Fuels; expansion of a Montana palladium project from Sibanye Stillwater; and the Greens Creek silver project in Alaska from Hecla.
South32’s Hermosa zinc-manganese project in Arizona was fast-tracked by former President Joe Biden, the first mine to receive the FAST-41 treatment.
The White House said it will continue to add more projects to the FAST-41 permitting list.
Source: Reuters