US SB1463

Secretary of the Interior (via USGS Director) may enter memoranda of understanding with foreign countries that are sources of critical minerals or rare earth elements for scientific cooperation in mapping mineral reserves

Private companies headquartered in the U.S. or allied foreign countries (NATO members or major non-NATO allies) must be offered right of first refusal for further development of identified mineral deposits

Cooperative activities include geologic data acquisition and analysis, prospectivity mapping, mineral resource assessments, training programs, and capacity building for partner country officials and institutions

Secretary must notify Congress 30 days before entering any MOU and submit a report detailing implementing partners, scope, activities, estimated costs, and funding sources

Secretary of State concurrence required for selecting partner countries, negotiating agreements, and implementation; private sector consultation required for prioritizing countries and assessing development opportunities