US to auction deep sea mining leases off American Samoa

On November 19, the United States will hold an auction for deep-sea mining leases off the coast of American Samoa, marking the first such auction in the nation's history. The auction, despite opposition from local communities and environmental groups, will cover approximately 31 million acres over two regions beyond the territorial waters of American Samoa.

Mike Olsen, acting director of the Marine Minerals Administration, stated that critical minerals are vital strategic assets for national security, energy efficiency, defense, and domestic supply chains. The sale follows Trump's April 2025 executive order highlighting deep-sea science and technology as a core national security and economic interest.

Companies aim to extract polymetallic nodules containing nickel, copper, and cobalt from the ocean's abyssal plains. However, critics warn of irreversible damage to marine life and disruptions to migrations. American Samoa banned deep-sea mining in its waters in 2024, but the auction concerns federally controlled Outer Continental Shelf outside that limit.

Governor Pulaali i Nikolao Pula of American Samoa opposes commercial deep-sea mineral extraction at this time, emphasizing the need to stop deep-sea mining before it begins. Thousands of scientists, local leaders, and community members have voiced concerns over the potential dangers of deep-sea mining, yet the Trump administration continues to move forward with the proposal.

The area is located near the Rose Atoll marine sanctuary, home to endangered hawksbill turtles and vibrant coral reefs.