The proposed legislation, known as the MERICA Act of 2026 , seeks to significantly modify the existing Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands. Its primary objective is to broaden the types of minerals covered under this Act, specifically extending its provisions to include hardrock minerals . This expansion would allow for the leasing and extraction of these valuable resources on lands acquired by the United States. The bill introduces a detailed definition for "hardrock mineral," specifying its inclusions and exclusions. It explicitly covers deposits such as base metals , precious metals , industrial metals , and various gemstones found in sedimentary or other rocks. Conversely, the definition clarifies that it does not apply to coal, oil, gas, or other specific mineral materials already covered by different statutes. By incorporating hardrock minerals into the Act, the bill aims to streamline their development and access on acquired federal lands.