S.Amdt. 3510

This amendment, submitted by Mr. Daines, aims to add a new section (SEC. 1230B) to bill S. 2296. Its purpose is to establish sanctions against the mining industry of the Russian Federation.

Key Changes and Additions:

• Sanctions on Mineral Production: The President must impose sanctions on Russian entities that produce or export specific minerals, including nickel, copper ores and concentrates (including zinc), and platinum (including palladium, braggite, rhodium, and ruthenium).

• Targeted Entities: The amendment requires sanctions against:

  • Directors, officers, and shareholders of Nornickel or its subsidiaries/successors.
  • Foreign governments or persons who knowingly buy, sell, supply, or transfer nickel sourced from the Russian Federation or Nornickel.
  • Mining entities where a majority ownership interest is held by persons already subject to United States sanctions regarding the Russian Federation.

• Types of Sanctions: The sanctions involve blocking property and interests in property within the U.S. or controlled by U.S. persons. Additionally, affected aliens will be ineligible for visas, admission, or parole into the U.S., and any existing visas will be revoked.

• Timeline and Termination: Sanctions on general mineral production begin 90 days after enactment. They terminate one year after the President certifies that the Russian Federation has ended all hostilities against Ukraine, though they can resume if hostilities restart within a 3-year probationary period.

• Exceptions: The amendment provides exceptions for:

  • Humanitarian and medical assistance to the people of the Russian Federation.
  • Authorized U.S. intelligence activities.
  • Admissions necessary to comply with international obligations.
  • The importation of goods.