US President Donald Trump’s administration has finalised plans for a deep-sea mining auction off the coast of American Samoa. The move comes despite widespread opposition from local industry, communities, and global environmental groups.
The proposed lease sale will cover around 31 million acres next to the US Pacific archipelago. Bidding is due to commence on 19 November 2026.
Marine Minerals Administration (MMA) Acting Director Mike Olsen says the move comes amid a strategic focus in the US on critical minerals and their essential role in defence and securing domestic supply chains. The MMA is part of the US Department of the Interior.
“MMA recognises the ocean floor surrounding American Samoa carries cultural, economic, and environmental significance, requiring that the pursuit of national security and energy readiness is balanced with rigorous environmental stewardship,” Olsen says.
The lease sale follows an April 2025 executive order in which Trump called for the US to become a global leader in deep-sea science and technology to support national security and the economy. It also follows a request by US firm Impossible Metals to open up leasing off the territory.
American Samoa banned deep-sea mining in its territorial waters in 2024. However, the proposed auction covers two federally controlled areas beyond those limits, on the Outer Continental Shelf.
American Samoa Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula commented on the proposed lease sales in September 2026, noting that he does not support commercial deep-sea mining in the territory at this time, but that the ultimate decision rests with the US Government.
Write to Amy Rotman at Mining.com.au
Main image: Unsplash
