On October 31st, the SEC voted to adopt amendments to modernize the property disclosure requirements and related guidance for mining registrants under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Under these final rules, a registrant with material mining operations must disclose specified information regarding its mineral resources and reserves in its SEC filings. These amendments will provide investors with a more comprehensive understanding of a registrant’s mining properties, as well as more closely align the SEC’s disclosure requirements and policies for mining properties with current industry and global regulatory practices and standards as embodied by the Committee for Reserves International Reporting Standards (CRIRSCO). The amendments also rescind Industry Guide 7 and consolidate the disclosure requirements for registrants with material mining operations in a new subpart of Regulation S-K.

On October 30th, the SEC proposed rule changes concerning variable annuities and variable life insurance contracts that would improve disclosure for investors. The amendments are aimed at helping investors better understand these contracts’ features, fees, and risks. They are also designed to aid investors in finding the information needed to make informed investment decisions more easily. The Commission is seeking public comment on their proposed modifications.