The Impact of Antitrust Enforcement on the Country's Minerals Posture

Increasing concern has been expressed about the ability of the U.S. minerals industries to develop, process, and obtain continuous access to minerals needed to satisfy the Nation's industrial requirements. In response to this concern, H.R. 3364 was introduced. The bill proposes the creation of a Council on Minerals and Materials within the executive branch and several other measures that would help to establish a national minerals policy. Title VIII of the bill would require the Attorney General to review the U.S. antitrust laws, rules, and regulations to determine their effect on the productivity and profitability of the domestic mining and minerals industries. In connection with title VIII, GAO was requested to conduct a preliminary review of antitrust enforcement as it relates to the minerals industries, in order to draw conclusions on the feasibility of a broader based study.