NOAA and BOEM advance deep-sea mineral mapping and leasing near American Samoa

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced an initiative to map critical mineral deposits in the deep waters surrounding American Samoa. This project aims to identify resources essential for renewable energy and electronics to enhance strategic resource security.

Concurrently, federal officials have issued a final leasing notice for seabed mining offshore American Samoa, moving toward the potential offering of two leases. This follows an April 2025 request from Impossible Metals. While an environmental assessment found no significant impact, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has not yet issued any leases for critical mineral activities as of recent reports.

Critics, including Theresa Arriola of Blue Ocean Law, argue that the push for deep-sea mining may undermine the sovereignty of Pacific islands. Concerns have been raised regarding the lack of local government consultation and the potential for unresolved environmental and economic consequences. As of July, 46 countries have called for a moratorium or precautionary pause on commercial deep-sea mining.