MERICA Act of 2025

The MERICA Act of 2025 would change federal law to allow hardrock mineral mining on all federally acquired lands. Currently, hardrock minerals like copper, gold, and other metals can only be mined on federal lands acquired under specific statutes that explicitly permit such mining. This bill would remove that restriction and make all federal lands eligible for hardrock mineral leasing under the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands.

The bill defines hardrock minerals to include base metals, precious metals, industrial minerals, and gemstones, while excluding coal, oil, gas, and certain other mineral types that already have their own leasing rules. This distinction matters because other minerals like coal and phosphate already have established leasing frameworks on federal lands, whereas hardrock minerals do not.

If enacted, this would significantly expand where mining companies could apply for leases on federal property. This could increase mineral extraction activities on public lands, potentially affecting land use, environmental conditions, and local communities near federal property. It could also generate revenue for the federal government through lease payments and royalties. The bill has passed the House and is currently being reviewed by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining, which held hearings in February 2026.