You've heard us discuss this legislation in the past and we're talking about it again: the House is planning a vote on the "Critical Mineral Consistency Act." This is one that simply makes sense, and would align the USGS critical minerals list with that of the Department of Energy. There's no good reason to have conflicting lists within the US government so we hope to see this one get across the finish line soon.

In dealmaking news, Hudbay Minerals said today it will acquire Arizona Sonoran Copper Company, creating the third-largest copper district in North America. With the news, Hudbay will have full ownership of the Cactus copper project in Arizona and expand its US growth pipeline alongside its existing Copper World project.

Finally last week Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Congressman Ryan Zinke visited Montana Tech University to tour its Lance College of Mines and Engineering's advanced mineral labs, hear more on the engineering technology the school has developed, and have a discussion with the community on the administration's commitment to Montana mining. The emphasis on mining schools is important as the mining industry continues to work to train and recruit the next generation of miners.