The Trump Administration on Oct. 19 announced an auction of deep-sea mining leases off the coast of American Samoa, the first-ever offering of offshore mining leases by the U.S. government.
If the Nov. 19 auction of roughly 31 million acres of ocean floor leads to the envisioned extraction, it would comprise the first-ever deep-sea mining in the world.
The ocean floor off of Samoa could contain rich deposits of critical minerals essential for sustainable energy production. Launching deep sea mining there would mean the U.S. takes the first step in a race where heavy competition from China is anticipated. But environmentalists warn that the envisioned project, and the global rush to mine the ocean floor that is likely to follow, will cause irreparable damage.
In announcing the auction, the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Marine Minerals Administration (MMA) described critical minerals as a national security priority.
“Critical minerals are no longer just commodities; they are a vital strategic asset in global competition, essential for reaching our energy efficiency goals, strengthening our national defense, and securing domestic supply chains,” said acting MMA Director Mike Olsen.
According to a review by the MMA, the federally managed lands in the U.S.-controlled Pacific Outer Continental Shelf are rich with deposits of four different types of mineral deposits: polymetallic nodules (containing manganese, iron oxides, and critical base metals including nickel, copper, cobalt, and molybdenum), cobalt-rich crusts, sulfide deposits, and phosphorites.
Environmentalists sue to block auction
Environmental groups sued to block the auction in August, and that suit, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii, is still ongoing.
“These lease sales will open the floodgates to the exploitation of our deep seas,” Oceana Defense Campaign Manager Julia Singer said in a written statement following the Oct. 19 announcement of the auction, according to The Hill.
In a previous statement the Oceana Defense Campaign noted: “The proposed area is directly adjacent to the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument, an important protected area that includes crucial nesting grounds for sea turtles, refuge for humpback whales, and key habitat for other endangered species.”
The government of American Samoa also opposed the action:
“Leaders expressed unified opposition to the proposed commercial leasing of American Samoa’s EEZ, in line with the express will of the people and the protection of American Samoa’s natural resources,” says a press release from the American Samoa Government. “The administration recognizes the importance of environmental stewardship and the need to include public trust and long-term wellbeing in all discussions relating to potential seabed activity.”
The MMA said it conducted an environmental assessment before announcing the auction, and said on Oct. 19 it would protect the environment in the area.
“MMA recognizes 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 said, in MMA’s announcement of the auction. “As MMA evaluates potential deep-sea resources, its priority remains guided by science, environmental review, and meaningful engagement with the people and leadership of American Samoa.”
