US Renews Doe Run Mining Leases to Secure Domestic Metals Supply

Doe Run Resources

The US renews Doe Run mining leases to extend Missouri lead-zinc-copper output for a decade. The US renews Doe Run mining leases across 36 tracts totaling 35,183 acres in the Mark Twain National Forest. This action strengthens the US critical minerals supply chain and regional industrial employment.

What the lease renewal covers

The Bureau of Land Management renewed all required leases for five Missouri mines. The US renews Doe Run mining leases to keep long-running operations active through the next ten years. Doe Run has operated for over 50 years and mined around 5mn t/yr of ore across that period.

Economic and policy implications

The lease decision is expected to generate significant federal revenue. Royalties and fees will flow back, with 25% returning to Missouri. As a result, the move aligns with the administration’s order to boost domestic critical minerals. It also reduces reliance on foreign lead, zinc, and copper.

Operational continuity supports downstream manufacturers. Meanwhile, stable Missouri supply underpins battery, automotive, construction, and defense demand. Therefore, the renewal improves logistics resilience as tariffs and geopolitics reshape metals trade.

BLM’s action also preserves optionality for future processing upgrades. However, Doe Run must still manage environmental compliance and community engagement. Consistent permitting and predictable royalties will influence capital plans over the next decade.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This renewal signals pragmatic resource policy: secure near-term tonnage while larger projects lag. Watch royalty pass-throughs, local hiring, and any investments in secondary processing that could raise US-made lead, zinc, and copper value-add.