US auctions American Samoa deep-sea mining
Analysis based on 17 articles · First reported Jul 17, 2026 · Last updated Jul 18, 2026
The auction could boost mining companies and critical mineral supply chains, but environmental opposition and regulatory uncertainty may delay projects. Negative sentiment from environmental groups and international criticism could pressure the U.S. administration.
The U.S. government announced plans to auction off 33 million acres of water surrounding United States — American Samoa for deep-sea mining, aiming to secure critical minerals like copper, iron, and zinc for technology, military, and electric vehicle supply chains. The move, published on July 17, 2026, under President Donald Trump's administration, bypasses the International — International Seabed Authority and has drawn criticism from over 43 countries and environmental groups. The United States — Bureau of Ocean Energy Management proposes issuing up to two commercial leases for preliminary activities, with future mining subject to environmental review. NOAA streamlined the permitting process in January, and Trump signed an executive order in April to expedite seafloor mining. Environmentalists and local groups, including United States — Faasao Amerika Samoa and Earthjustice, oppose the lease sale, citing risks to marine life and cultural heritage. United States — American Samoa has banned deep-sea mining in local waters.
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