Rules for mining hardrock minerals on public lands just disappeared

The US Land Management Bureau has removed regulations for leasing solid minerals other than coal and oil shale. This means companies can now mine minerals like gold, silver, and copper on public lands without following specific federal leasing rules.

For decades, the government had specific rules for how companies could lease land to mine hardrock minerals. These rules covered things like how to apply for a lease and what kind of contracts were needed. Now, those specific rules are gone, which could make it easier and faster for companies to start mining projects on public land.