1. (1) As used in this section:

   1. (a) "Critical mineral" means the same as that term is defined in Section 79-10-101.
   2. (b) "Critical minerals project" means an activity requiring one or more state permits related to the extraction or processing of a critical mineral.
   3. (c) "Critical minerals zone" means the same as that term is defined in Section 79-10-101.
   4. (d) "Permit" means the same as that term is defined in Section 79-10-101.

2. (2)

   1. (a) The division shall prioritize division resources to process a permit that is:

      1. (i) requested to be issued by the division; and
      2. (ii) related to a critical minerals project described in Subsection (2)(b).

   2. (b) This Subsection (2) applies to a critical minerals project that is:

      1. (i) for the extraction or processing of a critical mineral within a critical minerals zone; or
      2. (ii) included in the strategic plan developed by the Critical Minerals Council under Subsection 79-10-302(1).

3. (3) The division shall work cooperatively with the Department of Environmental Quality to develop processes under which permits for a critical minerals project described in Subsection (2)(b) that are issued by the division and the Department of Environmental Quality:

   1. (a) may be issued at parallel times rather than sequentially; and
   2. (b) minimize the need for a person to comply with duplicative, overlapping, or conflicting requirements.
4. (4) Nothing in this section abrogates or interferes with the powers or duties of the Department of Environmental Quality.

Enacted by Chapter 493, 2026 General Session