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US Pacific territories push back against federal deep-sea mining auction plan

Leaders in Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa raise ecological and economic concerns over proposals to lease millions of hectares of seabed.

Updated Aug 24, 2026 · 02:15 UTC1 reports

The short version

  • The US Marine Mineral Administration proposed auctioning deep-sea mining exploration leases covering 28 million hectares off the coasts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
  • Leaders across affected US Pacific territories expressed caution and opposition, citing potential harm to local ecosystems and fishing industries.
  • The proposal follows a similar plan in American Samoa, which faces a federal lawsuit from environmental groups seeking to block seabed lease auctions.
  • A 60-day review period is underway for territorial officials to assess the Marianas proposal as legal challenges proceed.

Key facts

  • The US Marine Mineral Administration released a proposal to auction 28 million hectares of seafloor near the Mariana Trench for deep-sea mining exploration leases.[The Guardian]
  • The leases aim to explore and potentially harvest polymetallic nodules containing critical minerals used in batteries, electronics, and defense equipment.[The Guardian]
  • Northern Mariana Islands Governor David Apatang stated his government will review the proposed terms over 60 days, emphasizing the need for comprehensive scientific baselines and marine protections.[The Guardian]
  • Guam Lieutenant Governor Joshua Tenorio voiced outright opposition to regional deep-sea mining, expressing doubt over federal assurances that commercial extraction would not immediately follow lease awards.[The Guardian]
  • American Samoa Governor Nikolau Pula opposed an earlier federal initiative to lease 12.4 million hectares of nearby seabed, warning of threats to the territory's vital tuna industry.[The Guardian]
  • Environmental organizations filed a lawsuit in a Hawaii court on August 19 against the US government to halt seabed lease auctions in American Samoa.[The Guardian]

What remains uncertain

  • Whether public comments or resistance from territorial leaders will prompt the Marine Mineral Administration to alter or abandon its proposed leasing terms remains unknown.[The Guardian]
  • The timeline and full ecological ramifications of commercial extraction following initial exploration phases remain disputed between federal regulators and local stakeholders.[The Guardian]

Sources