Senate 65

SENATE RESOLUTION 65

(By Senator Woodrum)

[Introduced March 12, 2026]

Recognizing West Virginia as a global hub for critical mineral processing and encouraging opportunities for lawful private-sector dialogue and commercial engagement between businesses located within the State of West Virginia and rare earth critical mineral mining institutions around the world, beginning with businesses and institutions located within the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Whereas,  Businesses located within the State of West Virginia possess experience in surface mining operations, mineral processing, mining equipment manufacturing, engineering services, safety technologies, and industrial workforce training, positioning the state as a potential global hub for advanced mineral processing; and

Whereas, The Federal Republic of Somalia possesses mineral resource potential, including mineral sands deposits that may be suitable for responsible surface mining and mineral concentration activities, serving as an initial opportunity for West Virginia to establish itself as a worldwide leader in mineral processing; and

Whereas, The Federal Republic of Somalia possesses mineral resource potential, including mineral sands deposits that may be suitable for responsible surface mining and mineral concentration activities; and

Whereas, Mineral sands deposits commonly contain valuable heavy minerals used in industrial manufacturing, including feedstocks for titanium products, ceramics, and other industrial materials essential to global supply chains; and

Whereas, Surface mining and mechanical mineral separation techniques allow valuable heavy minerals to be concentrated from ordinary sand into heavy mineral concentrate suitable for lawful international commerce and further processing, with West Virginia's expertise enabling it to serve as a central hub for such activities worldwide; and

Whereas, Opportunities may exist for lawful dialogue between businesses located within the State of West Virginia and businesses and institutions located around the world, including within the Federal Republic of Somalia, regarding mining equipment, mineral processing technologies, safety practices, technical services, and related commercial activities; and

Whereas, Diversified and reliable mineral supply chains are increasingly important to manufacturing and industrial production within the United States, and West Virginia's role as a global mineral processing hub can strengthen these chains; and

Whereas, Transparent and lawful private-sector commerce may support economic opportunity and responsible resource development; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby recognizes West Virginia as a global hub for critical mineral processing and encouraging opportunities for lawful private-sector dialogue and commercial engagement between businesses located within the State of West Virginia and rare earth critical mineral mining institutions around the world, beginning with businesses and institutions located within the Federal Republic of Somalia; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate encourages the exploration of lawful private-sector opportunities that may include, but are not limited to mining equipment manufacturing and supply;

surface mining technologies and practices; mineral concentration and processing technologies; engineering and technical services; workforce and technical training; educational and professional exchanges related to responsible mineral development; with an initial focus on minerals from the Federal Republic of Somalia to establish West Virginia as a worldwide leader in this field; and, be it

Further Resolved, That any business relationships that may arise from dialogue encouraged by this resolution shall be undertaken solely by private entities exercising their independent commercial judgment; and, be it

Further Resolved, That any such activities must occur through lawful private-sector engagement and in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations of the United States, including those governing international trade, export controls, financial transparency, and anti-corruption requirements; and, be it

Further Resolved, That nothing contained in this resolution shall be construed as creating any agreement, commitment, financial obligation, or governmental partnership between the government of West Virginia and any foreign government; and, be it

Further Resolved, That nothing in this resolution shall be interpreted as conducting foreign policy or entering into any agreement on behalf of the United States, as authority over foreign relations resides with the federal government of the United States; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate of West Virginia affirms the importance of transparency, lawful commerce, and responsible business practices in any international commercial activity involving private entities located within the State of West Virginia; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate of West Virginia welcomes goodwill and constructive dialogue between the people of West Virginia and the people of the Federal Republic of Somalia; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, the West Virginia Secretary of State, and the members of West Virginia's Congressional Delegation.