Requires annual list of Chinese mining entities using forced labor or harming environment.
Senators Sheehy (R-MT) and Coons (D-DE) introduced.
In committee, no Senate vote yet.
This bill requires the Secretary of State to annually publish a list of Chinese-owned mining companies operating in African countries that use forced labor or cause environmental damage. Senators Tim Sheehy, a Republican from Montana, and Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware, introduced the bill. It has been referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for review before it can be considered for a vote.
Introduced Apr 30, 2026
The bill was introduced in the Senate on April 30, 2026, and immediately referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. It is currently under review by this committee. For the bill to proceed, the committee must approve it, after which it could be considered for a vote by the full Senate. If it passes the Senate, it would then need to pass the House of Representatives and be signed by the President to become law.
If this bill passes, the US Secretary of State will annually release a public list detailing Chinese-controlled entities involved in mining critical minerals, gold, or iron in certain African countries. This list will specifically identify companies found to be using forced labor or causing environmental damage to protected areas. This increased transparency could help consumers and businesses make more informed decisions about the sources of raw materials used in products, potentially influencing ethical sourcing practices and corporate due diligence.
Supporters Say
The bill aims to promote human rights and environmental protection in African mining sectors by increasing transparency.
Critics Say
The bill text does not include specific arguments from critics.
While the bill text does not explicitly detail arguments from supporters or critics, proponents would likely argue that creating a public list of these entities is crucial for addressing human rights abuses like forced labor and severe environmental damage in African mining operations. This transparency could encourage more responsible practices and inform international efforts. Potential concerns, if raised by critics, might include the administrative burden on the State Department, potential diplomatic repercussions with China, or the scope and accuracy of information gathering.