President-elect Donald Trump’s recent pledge to expedite permits for companies investing US$1 billion or more in the US has sparked significant discussions, particularly within the mining industry.
The proposal, shared Tuesday (December 10) on his social media platform Truth Social, promises streamlined approvals, including environmental permits, for large-scale investments in the country.
While details remain unclear, the news touches upon a longstanding issue in the country’s mining sector.
US mining sector’s permitting challenges
The US mining sector has long been hindered by bureaucratic delays in permitting processes.
Compared to other developed nations, the US experiences some of the most prolonged timelines for mining permits. On average, it takes seven to 10 years to secure the necessary approvals to commence operations in the US — far longer than the two years typically required in Canada or Australia.
These delays arise from the need to secure multiple permits involving various federal and state agencies, as well as input from local stakeholders, Indigenous groups and nongovernmental organizations.
The impacts of such delays are substantial. Mining projects often lose significant value, with industry estimates indicating that more than one-third of a typical mining project’s value can be eroded during these delays.
In some cases, the increased costs and risks render projects financially unviable, leaving valuable mineral resources untapped. This inefficiency directly affects the US economy, discouraging investment in domestic mining projects.
Rising demand for critical minerals
While Trump hasn’t specified how his plans could impact the mining sector, his comments coincide with growing global demand for minerals essential to advanced technologies, energy production and defense.
Despite being rich in mineral resources, the US is increasingly reliant on mature mining projects, with fewer new developments reaching production. The current permitting system has contributed to a decline in exploration activity and an aging portfolio of active mines, meaning the country risks lagging in minerals production.
Speculation is already rife about how Trump’s proposal could influence mine projects in the country.
For instance, Rio Tinto’s (ASX:RIO,NYSE:RIO,LSE:RIO) Resolution copper mine in Arizona, which could supply over 25 percent of the US’ copper needs, has faced significant delays due to permitting challenges and opposition from Indigenous groups. These communities have raised concerns about potential environmental and cultural impacts.
Rio Tinto executives have repeatedly emphasized the need for faster permitting processes to meet the growing demand for critical minerals. Speaking at a recent commodities summit, Chief Commercial Officer Bold Baatar highlighted the prolonged delays, saying they are a barrier to meeting the US’ energy transition goals.
If implemented, Trump’s proposal to expedite permits for billion-dollar investments could address longstanding issues facing the US mining industry. Streamlining the permitting process could reduce the average approval timeline, improving project economics and encouraging new investment in domestic mineral production.
This, in turn, could bolster the US’ supply chain security and reduce reliance on imported minerals.
However, environmental groups and industry experts have expressed concerns about the implications of such a policy. Critics are arguing that expedited approvals may bypass essential environmental and community impact assessments, potentially leading to long-term harm from resource projects.
Organizations like Evergreen Action and the Natural Resources Defense Council have called the proposal “illegal” and warned against prioritizing corporate interests over public and environmental welfare.
The proposal’s emphasis on deregulation also raises questions about its compatibility with existing laws like the National Environmental Policy Act, which mandates thorough environmental reviews for major projects.
Without clear guidelines, critics fear that expedited permits could lead to legal challenges and further delays.
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.