The "Finding Opportunities for Resource Exploration Act," or "Finding ORE Act," authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, through the U.S. Geological Survey, to enter into memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with partner foreign countries. These MOUs are designed for scientific and technical cooperation in mapping critical minerals and rare earth elements, aiming to enhance the security and resilience of international supply chains for these vital resources.

A core objective is to assist partner countries in mapping their reserves while ensuring that private companies from the United States or an allied foreign country receive the right of first refusal for further development. The bill also seeks to facilitate private-sector investment in the exploration and development of critical minerals and rare earth elements.

Crucially, the Act mandates that mapping data created through these cooperative activities must be protected against unauthorized access or disclosure to entities from non-party or non-allied countries. Cooperative activities include data acquisition, analysis, prospectivity mapping, scientific collaboration for sustainable resource development, and extensive training and capacity building.

The Secretary of the Interior must obtain the concurrence of the Secretary of State in prioritizing, selecting, negotiating, and implementing these MOUs. Additionally, the Secretary is required to consult with relevant private sector actors to ensure the MOUs effectively facilitate private investment and development.

Before entering an MOU, the Secretary must notify and submit a detailed report to appropriate congressional committees, outlining the scope, activities, estimated costs, and funding sources. The bill also expresses a sense of Congress that the United States should prioritize the onshoring of critical mineral processing.