A bill to establish a critical mineral environmental processing and mining cleanup program, and for other purposes.

S 2965 creates a new grant program under the Department of the Interior to fund environmental cleanup and processing for critical mineral mining and manufacturing in the U.S. It directly affects mining and manufacturing companies (eligible entities) seeking to develop or expand operations involving designated critical minerals. Key provisions require the Secretary to identify 20 priority minerals (10 for manufacturing/energy independence, 10 for reducing import dependence), select suitable mining locations, and mandate mitigation plans for tribal communities, pollution-risk areas, and water sources. Grants, totaling $10 million annually from 2024-2029, can only be used for environmental assessments, processing, and cleanup on approved lands, with strict requirements for labor protections (prevailing wage) and compliance with all environmental laws.