H.R. 7458 — Domestic ORE Act

This section establishes a notice requirement for operators to submit to the Secretary concerned (Interior for BLM-administered lands, Agriculture for National Forest System lands) at least 15 days before commencing mineral exploration activities—defined as surface disturbance greater than casual use (e.g., drilling, trenching, test pits) but not more than 25 acres on public lands open to location under the Mining Law of 1872 (30 U.S.C. 22 et seq.) and not for commercial extraction. Within 15 days of notice receipt, the Secretary must approve the activity if it meets the 25-acre limit, includes required information (potentially per 43 CFR 3809.301), and is supported by adequate financial assurance, or notify the operator of deficiencies.