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| FAST-41 mining project |
In a push to strengthen America’s mineral independence, the Trump administration has added several key mining projects to the FAST-41 program—a federal initiative designed to streamline permitting and enhance interagency coordination. The move is part of President Donald J. Trump’s broader effort to secure domestic sources of critical minerals vital to national security, manufacturing, and energy infrastructure.
Administered by the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council, FAST-41 was created under Title 41 of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act to expedite environmental reviews and eliminate bureaucratic delays. The program ensures federal accountability and transparency through the FAST-41 dashboard, which tracks major infrastructure projects and enforces clearer timelines.
“For too long, duplicative processes and regulatory paralysis have delayed the development of the minerals America needs to power everything from national defense systems to smartphones,” said Adam Suess, Acting Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management. He emphasized the administration’s focus on cutting red tape and making the U.S. a global leader in critical minerals.
These changes align with Executive Order 14241, which directed all federal agencies to streamline energy and infrastructure project permitting. The Transparency List, part of this effort, enhances public visibility into project status, encouraging faster, better-coordinated decisions.
Despite abundant mineral reserves, the U.S. still relies heavily on imports from geopolitical rivals. Long and complex permitting processes—often stretching seven to ten years—discourage domestic development, giving countries like Australia and Canada, with shorter timelines, a competitive edge. As a result, American manufacturers face higher costs and increased supply chain risks.
New Mining Projects Added to FAST-41 for Greater Permitting Efficiency
The Department of the Interior, in collaboration with the Permitting Council, has added the following mining projects to FAST-41. These initiatives span several states and mineral types and are now subject to streamlined permitting oversight:
- Caldwell Canyon Revised Mine and Reclamation Plan – Open-pit phosphate mine in Caribou County, Idaho
- HiTech Lithium Exploration Plan of Operations – Lithium exploration in McDermitt Caldera, Malheur County, Oregon
- Lisbon Valley Mining Company Plan Modification Project – Copper mine in San Juan County, Utah
- Silver Peak Lithium Mine Amendment to Plan of Operations – Lithium mine expansion in Esmerelda County, Nevada
- Warrior Met Coal Mines – Lease by application in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama
These projects are at various stages of NEPA review, and their progress will now be monitored for public and agency accountability.
The Interior Department stressed the importance of early engagement with tribal governments and local communities, affirming a commitment to responsible and respectful development of public lands.
While FAST-41 enhances efficiency, it does not alter any statutory or environmental regulations or public involvement procedures. Instead, it seeks to balance speed with rigor, ensuring that America’s critical minerals strategy supports national security, job creation, and long-term economic growth.
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