Superior National Forest Restoration Act of 2025

H.R. 978 would overturn a mineral withdrawal that protects approximately 225,504 acres in the Superior National Forest in Minnesota. The bill would rescind a previous protection order and reinstate mineral leases and permits in the forest, while also requiring timely reviews of mining plans. According to Forest Service information, about 67,000 acres in the affected area have potential for mining copper, nickel, cobalt, and platinum group metals. The bill is currently referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources and has not yet been voted on by the full chamber. If enacted, it would allow mining operations to proceed in an area that has been protected from mineral extraction for two decades.