The Domestic Opportunities for Resource Exploration Act streamlines the process for mineral exploration on federal public lands by establishing a simplified notice-and-review system for small-scale projects. Companies seeking to conduct mineral exploration activities that disturb 25 acres or less of public land would need to submit a notice to the appropriate federal agency (Interior Department or Forest Service) at least 15 days before starting work, and agencies would have 15 days to approve or request additional information. The bill affects mining companies and mineral explorers operating on federal lands, and it applies to activities like drilling, trenching, and sampling conducted to evaluate mineral deposits—but explicitly excludes commercial extraction. The legislation does not specify dedicated funding but requires operators to provide financial assurance deemed adequate by the responsible agency to cover restoration costs.
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