Considers critical shortage of minerals in U.S. and the consequent growing dependence on foreign, ocean-borne supplies of these minerals.

Reviews impact of Interior Dept and USDA interpretations and administration of provisions defining "common substances" which may be extracted from public lands under licenses but which may not be claimstaked.

Considers (86) H. Con. Res. 177, (86) S. 2747, (86) S. 164, (86) S. 1534, (86) H.R. 3120, (86) H.R. 3845.

Considers (88) S. 1166.

Considers (85) S. 2375, (85) S. 3186, (85) S. 3199, (85) S. 3307, (85) S. 3315, (85) S. 3537, (85) S. 3892, (85) S.J. Res. 16.

Considers (83) H.R. 2824, (84) S. 2876, (84) S. 3453, (84) S. 3379, (84) S. 3455, (84) S. 3485, (84) S. 3486, (84) S. 3496, (84) S. 3497, (84) S. 3499, (84) S. 3504, (84) S. 3523, (84) S. 3636, (84) S. 3764.

Considers S. 2281 and related S. 3485, to amend the Common Varieties Act of 1955, to redefine "common varieties" of minerals which may not be claimstaked and may be extracted from public lands only under permit or lease arrangements.

Considers legislation to provide price incentives to U.S. tin producers, especially those in Alaska. Nov. 1 hearing was held in Nome, Alaska; and Nov. 4 hearing was held in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Considers S. 49 and S. 1362, to create a Coal Research and Development Commission, and to authorize Interior Dept to contract with recognized private groups for improved coal mining and utilization methods.