# U.S. deep-sea mining leasing in American Samoa

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-deep-sea-mining-leasing-in-american-samoa
> Updated: 2026-10-30T13:57:58.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

The U.S. Department of the Interior, through the newly formed Marine Minerals Administration, has moved to advance seabed mining near American Samoa. This process follows an April 2025 executive order intended to expedite mineral permits and leases to secure domestic supplies of critical minerals like nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese.

In October 2026, federal officials issued a final leasing notice for two areas covering more than 31 million acres. The first auction, designated PACM-1, is scheduled for November 19. The leases, which carry a minimum bid of $3 million and a 20-year primary term, were prompted by requests from Impossible Metals to begin exploration.

To support these efforts, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced an initiative to map critical mineral deposits in the deep waters surrounding American Samoa to identify resources essential for renewable energy and electronics. While the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has not yet issued any leases, the push continues despite environmental assessments finding no significant impact.

Opposition remains significant. Environmental advocates and local populations have raised concerns regarding potential risks to marine life, sediment plumes that could smother coral reefs, and chemical runoff affecting water quality and the fishing industry. Theresa Arriola of Blue Ocean Law has argued that the push for deep-sea mining may undermine the sovereignty of Pacific islands, citing a lack of local government consultation. Furthermore, as of July, 46 countries have called for a moratorium or precautionary pause on commercial deep-sea mining.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-30: NOAA and BOEM advance deep-sea mineral mapping and leasing near American Samoa

Federal agencies are advancing mineral mapping and seabed mining lease notices near American Samoa, amid debates over sovereignty, environmental impacts, and calls for a global mining moratorium.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/american-samoa-seabed-mining-leases-advance-under-new-federal-process

### 2026-10-19: U.S. to hold first deep-sea mining lease auction near American Samoa

The U.S. will hold its first deep-sea mining lease auction on November 19, covering 31 million acres near American Samoa to secure critical minerals like cobalt and nickel.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-to-hold-first-deep-sea-mining-lease-auction-near-american-samoa

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Cite as: U.S. deep-sea mining leasing in American Samoa. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-deep-sea-mining-leasing-in-american-samoa