China-Africa Mining Transparency Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Miller, Max L. [R-OH-7]
- Committees
- Foreign Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 30, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to increase transparency regarding PRC mining operations in Africa, specifically targeting those associated with forced labor or environmental damage, by requiring the U.S. government to publicly identify the entities and locations involved.
What it actually does
This bill mandates the Secretary of State to annually publish a list, for five years, of People's Republic of China (PRC)-origin entities involved in mining critical minerals, gold, or iron in specific African countries (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Guinea, Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, or other African nations) if they use forced labor or cause environmental harm to protected areas. The list must also identify the specific mines or concessions involved and be made publicly available.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill promotes human rights and environmental protection by exposing problematic mining practices by PRC entities in Africa. They contend that increased transparency will pressure companies to adopt ethical labor practices and environmental safeguards, aligning U.S. foreign policy with its values and potentially reducing the supply chain risks associated with forced labor and unsustainable resource extraction.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that this bill could be perceived as an overreach of U.S. jurisdiction or an attempt to interfere in the sovereign affairs of African nations and their economic partnerships with China. They might also suggest it could strain diplomatic relations with China and potentially with some African countries, or that it might be difficult to accurately verify claims of forced labor and environmental harm from open-source information, leading to potentially inaccurate or politically motivated listings.
The bill is concise and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick and comprehensive understanding by any informed reader.
Section 2(b)
Annual List of PRC Entities and Mining Sites
This provision requires the Secretary of State to create and publicly release an annual list, for five years, of any People's Republic of China (PRC)-origin entity engaged in mining critical minerals, gold, or iron in specified African countries (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Guinea, Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, or other African nations) if that mining involves forced labor or causes environmental harm to protected areas. The list must also identify the specific mines, mining zones, or concessions where these activities occur.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is crucial for holding PRC entities accountable for human rights abuses and environmental damage in critical mineral supply chains. They believe that public transparency can drive corporate responsibility and provide consumers and businesses with information to make ethical sourcing decisions.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that this provision could be seen as unilateral action by the U.S., potentially leading to diplomatic friction with China and African nations. They may also question the U.S. government's capacity to accurately and comprehensively gather and verify such sensitive information from open sources, raising concerns about potential inaccuracies or political bias in the listing process.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the goal of promoting human rights and environmental protection with potential diplomatic sensitivities and the practical challenges of information gathering and verification in complex international settings.
Section 2(a)
Key Definitions for Mining Practices and Entities
This section defines critical terms used throughout the Act, such as "artisanal and small-scale mining," "critical mineral," "environmental harm to a protected area," "forced labor," "large-scale mining," "PRC entity," and "protected area." The definition of "PRC entity" is particularly broad, encompassing entities under the ownership, control, or influence of the Chinese government or Communist Party, entities organized under PRC laws (including Hong Kong and Macau), majority-owned/controlled/financed entities, and their parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, or joint ventures with controlling interest.
Section 2(c)
Data Collection and Interagency Consultation for List Development
This provision outlines the methodology for developing the annual list. It mandates the Secretary of State to utilize open-source information, including press, academic, non-profit, and other non-state research, as well as information gathered by U.S. embassies. Furthermore, it requires consultation with various U.S. federal agencies, including the Secretaries of Labor, Commerce, and Treasury, and the Director of National Intelligence, along with their foreign country counterparts in the listed African nations, to ensure a comprehensive and informed assessment.