Mined in the USA: How EV Minerals can Resurface in Minnesota

US President Donald Trump has signed H.J. Res. 140 into law, overturning a Biden administration mining ban in northern Minnesota.

The resolution reopens 225,504 acres of land in the Superior National Forest to mineral exploration and development.

The Duluth Complex in northern Minnesota contains nearly 7.3 billion tonnes of minerals. If developed, this region could constitute 95% of America's nickel reserves, 88% of its cobalt reserves, one third of its copper reserves and 75% of US platinum resources.

These minerals are essential components in EV battery production. Nickel and cobalt are core materials in lithium-ion batteries used by most EV manufacturers.

The concentration of these reserves in a single domestic location represents a significant strategic resource for the US automotive industry as EV adoption accelerates.

According to Congress, this joint resolution nullifies Public Land Order 7917, which withdrew approximately 225,504 acres of National Forest System lands in Cook, Lake and Saint Louis Counties, Minnesota, from mineral and geothermal leasing for 20 years. 

The move has reopened a debate around resource development, environmental review and long-term sustainability.

Battery supply chain implications

According to the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), China dominates the EV battery supply chain. CATL is the world's largest producer of EV batteries, controlling substantial market share in global battery manufacturing capacity.

The reopening of Minnesota's mineral lands could alter supply chain dependencies for automotive manufacturers.

Many vehicle makers are attempting to onshore manufacturing in line with current US administration policies. Domestic access to battery grade nickel and cobalt could reduce transportation costs and supply chain complexity for American EV producers.

The RMI says as the market for EV batteries and other advanced energy technologies expands, there will be plenty of growth opportunities for all producing nations, even as that production capacity diversifies. Access to domestic nickel and cobalt reserves could reduce reliance on Chinese battery suppliers whilst providing automotive manufacturers with greater supply chain resilience.

At present, many automotive manufacturers source these materials through international supply chains centred in Asia.

The minerals from the Duluth Complex could supply domestic cathode production facilities, which are increasingly being established in the United States to serve the growing EV market.

S&P Global has described critical minerals shortages as a looming threat to the EV industry. S&P says in a report on minerals shortages in the EV industry that countries must brace for further complications stemming from mainland China’s position as a dominant player in the rare earth metals market.

Policy reversal in Minnesota

The resolution was led by Pete Stauber. It overturns the Biden administration's withdrawal of mineral lands in the Superior National Forest from leasing and exploration.

According to Congress, the joint resolution nullifies Public Land Order 7917. PLO 7917 withdrew approximately 225,504 acres of National Forest System lands in Cook, Lake and Saint Louis Counties, Minnesota, from mineral and geothermal leasing for 20 years.

The resolution passed the US House of Representatives on 21 January 2026. The US Senate approved it on 16 April 2026.

In accordance with the Congressional Review Act, H.J. Res. 140 will eliminate PLO 7917 and prevent any similar action in the future.

Pete Stauber, Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, says in an official statement: "It's official. The illegal mining ban put in place by former President Biden has been overturned indefinitely, ending a reckless policy that sidelined Minnesota's miners and undermined our nation's ability to source our own materials.

"Never again will any Democrat President be able to unilaterally ban mining in this strategic area of the Superior National Forest.

"Now, proposed mining projects aimed at unlocking trillions of dollars' worth of critical minerals can move forward through the proper state and federal environmental review and permitting process.

"President Trump is the most pro mining President in American history, and I thank him for his support in championing Minnesota's union miners and workers.

"As the result of our shared commitment to American mineral dominance, Minnesota's mighty Iron Range has a strong future ahead.

"It's back at the centre of a powerful economic comeback with another century's worth of mining, and I'm proud to have delivered this hard fought victory for our state and nation," says Pete.

Mining access and reserves

Bruce Westerman, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman, says in an official press release: "It is a great week for American mining.

"By unlocking the mineral rich lands of the Duluth Complex, America may access large deposits of the minerals that power the 21st Century.

"I commend Representative Stauber for his commitment over the past four years to overturn the Biden administration's misguided mineral withdrawal.

"I also want to thank President Trump for signing this resolution to unleash domestic mining, support our mining workforce and bring mineral dominance to America."

Critical minerals shortages are a looming threat to EVs

EV production requires secure supplies of these minerals.

At present, automotive manufacturers source these materials through international supply chains centred in Asia.

The minerals from the Duluth Complex could supply domestic cathode production facilities, which are increasingly being established in the United States to serve the growing EV market.

S&P Global has described critical minerals shortages as a looming threat to the EV industry. S&P says in a report on minerals shortages in the EV industry that countries must brace for further complications stemming from mainland China’s position as a dominant player in the rare earth metals market.