The US House of Representatives has passed a bill that would make mining projects permanently eligible for accelerated federal permitting under the FAST-41 framework.
The Protecting Domestic Mining Act (H.R. 1501), introduced in February 2025, would add “mining” and “mineral processing” directly to the list of sectors eligible to become covered projects under FAST-41.
FAST-41 provides a coordinated federal permitting process for major infrastructure projects, including greater coordination between government agencies, more predictable permitting timelines, and increased transparency.
The program was first established under the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act in 2015.
While mining is already treated as an eligible FAST-41 sector under existing regulations, the legislation would codify that status in federal law, making it more difficult for a future administration to reverse the policy.
Mining eligibility written into law
The legislation would overturn a Biden-era proposal that sought to limit FAST-41 eligibility in the sector to projects involving the mining, processing, or recycling of certain minerals.
However, that proposal was never finalised.
H.R. 1501 would prohibit the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council from administering, or enforcing the proposed rule. Instead, mining and mineral processing would be explicitly included in the FAST Act itself.
Importantly, the legislation is not limited to lithium, rare earths, antimony, tungsten, or other commodities included on the US critical minerals list.
The broader eligibility means mining and mineral processing projects across a wider range of commodities could potentially seek FAST-41 coverage.
Critical minerals push
The legislation adds to the Trump administration’s efforts to strengthen domestic mineral supply chains and accelerate the development of US mining projects.
Permitting reform has become a major part of that strategy, with the administration seeking to reduce delays that can add years to the development of new mines and processing facilities.
However, the legislation has also faced opposition over concerns about the potential environmental and community impacts of accelerating mine approvals.
On Thursday, Arizona Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva spoke against H.R. 1501 on the House floor, citing environmental concerns.
Grijalva proposed an amendment that would have required “robust, meaningful, and enforceable consultation” with potentially affected Tribal Nations before a mining project could become eligible for expedited permitting under FAST-41.
With House approval secured, the legislation would still need to clear the Senate and be signed into law.
Write to Jackson Chen at Mining.com.au
Image: US House of Representatives
