Finding ORE Act
Sponsored By: Senator Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
In Committee
Summary
International mapping of critical minerals and rare earth elements. The bill would authorize the Secretary of the Interior, through the U.S. Geological Survey, to sign memoranda of understanding with partner foreign countries to pursue scientific and technical cooperation in mapping and resource assessment.
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- Partner countries would get U.S. scientific and technical help to map reserves, build geoscience capacity, and provide training at universities and for government officials.
- U.S. and allied private companies would be offered a right of first refusal on further development and the bill would help attract private investment and preferential U.S. financing that favors processing in the U.S. or allied countries.
- Aims to strengthen international supply-chain security and resilience by protecting mapping data from unauthorized access or disclosure to non-party or non-allied countries.
- Would require concurrence from the Secretary of State on partner selection and a report to key congressional committees at least 30 days before an MOU with details on partners, scope, estimated costs, and funding sources.
- Includes a savings clause that preserves existing U.S. Geological Survey authorities under current law.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New USGS deals to map critical minerals
If enacted, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) would be allowed to sign memoranda of understanding with partner foreign agencies to map critical minerals and rare earths. The Secretary would have to notify Congress and send a report at least 30 days before any agreement. The Secretary of State would need to concur on partner selection and implementation. U.S. or allied companies would be offered a right of first refusal to develop resources. The bill would require mapping data be protected from non‑partner and non‑ally access and could use U.S. development finance or export credit to favor projects that process minerals in the U.S. or allied countries. This authority would take effect upon enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
DE • D
Cosponsors
Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN]
IN • R
Sponsored 4/10/2025
John Hickenlooper
CO • D
Sponsored 4/10/2025
Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
TX • R
Sponsored 4/10/2025
Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
TX • R
Sponsored 6/9/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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