Taliban Rare Earth Minerals Sanctions Act

HR 969, the Taliban Rare Earth Minerals Sanctions Act, imposes U.S. sanctions on foreign entities that knowingly engage in significant transactions with Afghanistan's rare earth mineral sector after 180 days of enactment. It targets foreign persons (including companies or individuals) who facilitate such transactions, blocking their U.S. property and denying visas to foreign nationals involved. The law explicitly excludes sanctions on the importation of physical goods (like minerals or equipment), focusing only on financial transactions. Key provisions require the President to block assets of violators under U.S. economic sanctions law and deny U.S. entry to affected foreign nationals. This bill directly affects international businesses and financial actors operating in Afghanistan's rare earth minerals market, aiming to disrupt revenue streams for the Taliban.