State presenters back pilot to assay abandoned‑mine tailings for critical minerals
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Summary
Division of Oil, Gas and Mining director described an RFA to partner with a nonprofit to assay five tailings piles; data would be shared with state surveys and is intended to identify near‑term recoverable critical minerals while minimizing state resource burdens.
The Division of Oil, Gas and Mining asked the committee to consider an RFA that would fund immediate assays of abandoned‑mine tailings to identify recoverable critical minerals.
Director Mick Thomas told the subcommittee the Critical Minerals Resource Network — a nonprofit partner — is ready to assay five pilot tailings piles and quickly evaluate whether economically recoverable critical minerals are present. "These tailing piles are known resources," Thomas said, describing the approach as a lower‑cost, quicker way to identify resources compared with greenfield exploration.
Thomas said the state would receive the data and that the Utah Geological Survey and the Division of Oil, Gas and Mining would have access to assay results, which the state could publish to spur additional private investment. Committee members discussed land access and ownership: Thomas said the piles include a mix of private, state and federal lands and that private land would not be accessed without landowner permission. Members asked how private sector activity and tax credits interact with public work; presenters noted the state also uses post‑performance tax credits to encourage private exploration and that public data can reduce risk and attract investment.
No final appropriation action was recorded; the RFA will be considered in the appropriation process.