US deep-sea mining plans alarm Pacific territories
Analysis based on 10 articles · First reported Aug 06, 2026 · Last updated Aug 06, 2026
The proposed auctions could open new seabed mineral resources, potentially benefiting mining companies and metal supply chains for nickel, copper, and cobalt. However, strong opposition from Pacific territories and environmental concerns may delay or restrict exploration, creating regulatory uncertainty for the nascent deep-sea mining industry.
The United States, under President Donald Trump's 2025 executive order to 'unleash' seabed resources, is advancing plans to auction exploration licenses for deep-sea mining in Pacific waters near its territories. The United States — Bureau of Ocean Energy Management proposes a November auction for a 125,000 square kilometer block near United States — American Samoa, with additional areas near United States — Guam and the United States — Northern Mariana Islands under consideration. Territorial leaders, including United States — Northern Mariana Islands Governor David M. Apatang, express strong opposition, citing lack of consultation, threats to food security, and environmental risks. United States — Guam has passed laws banning deep-sea mining vessels from its ports, and the United States — Northern Mariana Islands may follow. United States — American Samoa's congressional delegate Amata Coleman Radewagen and environmental advocates like Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka voice concerns over fisheries and ecosystem damage. Mining company Impossible Metals has pledged to share 1% of profits with island communities, a gesture critics call inadequate. Pacific island nations are divided, with Nauru and the Cook Islands supporting exploration while Samoa, Fiji, and Palau call for a moratorium.
Set up alerts, explore entity relationships, search across thousands of events, and build custom intelligence feeds.
Open Dashboard