Finding ORE Act

The Finding ORE Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the U.S. Geological Survey, to enter into memoranda of understanding with partner foreign countries. These agreements are designed for scientific and technical cooperation in mapping critical minerals and rare earth elements. The primary goal is to enhance the security and resilience of international supply chains for these vital resources. In negotiating these MOUs, the Secretary must ensure several key objectives are met. This includes assisting partner countries in mapping their reserves and ensuring that private companies headquartered in the United States or an allied foreign country are offered the right of first refusal for further development. The bill also facilitates private-sector investment, leveraging preferential financing from entities like the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, with a focus on processing minerals in the U.S. or allied nations. Cooperative activities under these MOUs encompass a wide range of efforts, such as data acquisition and analysis, prospectivity mapping, and training and capacity building in geoscience and mineral resource management. Importantly, the bill mandates that mapping data generated through these activities must be protected against unauthorized access by entities from non-participating or non-allied countries. The Secretary is also required to collaborate with the Secretary of State and consult with the private sector throughout the process.