Trump administration will let companies bid to mine the deep ocean off American Samoa’s coast
Earthjustice and local leaders say the plan threatens the territory’s waters as the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management advances leases across 31 million acres.
- The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management scheduled a commercial-scale deep-sea mining lease sale for Nov. 19, 2026, covering approximately 31 million acres around American Samoa despite significant opposition from local leaders.
- In July 2026, the Bureau issued a call for nominations for deep-sea mining leases, initiating a process that has drawn growing resistance from territorial officials and residents who oppose the plan.
- David Henkin of the environmental nonprofit Earthjustice filed a lawsuit in the Honolulu District Court to block the sale, warning that mining "creates plumes of toxic chemicals" that could contaminate ahi tuna and other fish.
- Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka of Finafinau criticized the proposal, arguing "our consent is clearly not given in this process," and characterizing it as a reflection of the territory's democratic deficit.
- NOAA researchers are currently mapping sea beds to test radon's utility in locating mineral deposits, while State Rep. Elijah Pierick maintained that any administration must respect local understanding of the environment.
6 Articles
6 Articles
US To Auction Deep Sea Mining Leases Off American Samoa
President Donald Trump's administration on Monday announced it had finalized a deep-sea mining auction off the coast of American Samoa, the first in the United States' history, despite widespread opposition from locals and environmental groups.
Trump administration offers first-ever deep-sea mining leases near American Samoa
The Trump administration will offer the first-ever offshore mining leases for deep-sea mining off the coast of American Samoa, as part of an effort to bolster the domestic critical mineral supply chain. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s Marine Minerals Administration announced on Monday that it would offer two areas totaling nearly 32 million acres […]
Trump administration will let companies bid to mine the deep ocean off American Samoa’s coast
The Trump administration is officially moving ahead with a decision to lease ocean tracts off the coast of American Samoa for deep-sea mining. The decision, announced Monday, would represent the first time the U.S. government has offered up offshore mining leases. Large-scale deep-sea mining has never been done before, but the seafloor could contain valuable…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 83% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
