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West Virginia Senate adopts resolution welcoming Somali delegation, encourages private‑sector talks on critical minerals

West Virginia Senate · March 12, 2026

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Summary

The West Virginia Senate adopted Senate Resolution 65, a nonbinding measure recognizing the state’s mining and processing expertise and encouraging lawful private‑sector engagement with Somali institutions on critical‑mineral processing and related opportunities. The resolution passed by voice vote; the Senate then briefly recessed to receive the delegation.

The West Virginia Senate adopted Senate Resolution 65 by voice vote, welcoming a delegation from the Federal Republic of Somalia and encouraging lawful private‑sector dialogue between West Virginia businesses and Somali institutions on critical‑mineral processing and related commercial opportunities.

Senator from Summers, who introduced the resolution, said West Virginia "has long been known for its experience in mining and resource development," and described the measure as an opening to future conversations rather than an agreement. "The resolution before us today is nonbinding. It does not create an agreement, authorize funding or commit this body to any specific project," he said.

A lawmaker introducing the guests listed delegation members and their roles, naming the deputy prime minister (Salaz Grama), Dahar Shahr Mohammed (minister of petroleum and mineral resources), Gamal Mohammed Hassan (minister of commerce and industry), Mohammed Ibrahim Ali (member of parliament and committee chair), Jihan Hassan Sheikh Mohammed (senior adviser on foreign affairs), Ambassador Dahar Hassan Abdi, Ambassador Mohammed Abdullah Adis, Drew Horne (CEO, GreenMet), and Albino Abouge.

Senator from Summers framed the resolution as encouraging private‑sector conversations that could link "responsible mineral development abroad with advanced processing, manufacturing and industrial expertise here at home," citing the importance of secure supply chains for critical minerals. The presiding officer declared the resolution adopted after members voted by voice.

The Senate recessed for five minutes following the adoption to receive and greet the delegation; no binding commitments or appropriations were made on the Senate floor during the session.