US to auction 31.5m acres for deep-sea mining next month
Trump administration sets November 19 sale for seabed near American Samoa, bypassing international oversight.
The Trump administration has scheduled the first-ever US seabed mining lease auction for November 19, offering 31.5 million acres of ocean floor near American Samoa to companies seeking critical minerals.
The Marine Minerals Administration (MMA), formerly the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, announced the auction on October 19, leveraging a provision of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to bypass international oversight. The move reflects the administration’s push to secure domestic supply chains for critical minerals, which it describes as “a vital strategic asset in global competition.”
“Critical minerals are no longer just commodities; they are a vital strategic asset in global competition, essential for reaching our energy efficiency goals, strengthening our national defense, and securing domestic supply chains,” said acting MMA Director Mike Olsen.
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The two lease areas cover 16.3 million acres and 15.2 million acres, respectively, with a minimum bid of $3 million for each. The primary lease term is 20 years, with production royalties starting at 2% for the first five years and rising to 5% thereafter. Winning bidders will not gain immediate mining rights; further federal approvals and environmental reviews will be required before extraction can begin.
The auction and its strategic stakes: deep-sea mining
The NOAA research vessel Okeanos Explorer surveyed the lease areas earlier this summer, providing data to support resource characterization.
The auction has drawn sharp opposition from environmental groups, who warn of irreversible damage to fragile seabed ecosystems. Polymetallic nodules, which support unique marine life, take 2 to 3 million years to regrow if removed.
“The potential for sediment plumes and heavy metal contamination poses a serious threat to species that rely on these waters.".
Earthjustice, an environmental law firm, has filed a lawsuit to block the auction, arguing that the OCSLA does not authorize mineral leasing in American Samoa, a US unincorporated territory. The suit also claims the administration failed to comply with its treaty obligations, raising questions about the legality of the sale.
Despite these challenges, the MMA has emphasized its commitment to balancing mineral development with environmental stewardship. “MMA recognizes the ocean floor surrounding American Samoa carries cultural, economic, and environmental significance,” Olsen said. “Our priority remains guided by science, environmental review, and meaningful engagement with the people and leadership of American Samoa.”
Environmental risks and legal challenges
The auction proceeds as the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the global body tasked with regulating deep-sea mining, continues to debate a regulatory framework for commercial extraction. By holding a US-only sale, the Trump administration has sidestepped the ISA’s oversight, a move critics say could set a precedent for other nations to follow.
For industry observers, the November 19 auction marks a pivotal moment in the global race for critical minerals.
Companies interested in bidding must submit their proposals by November 18, with the auction set to take place the following day. The MMA has indicated that further lease sales may follow if the PACM-1 auction proves successful, potentially opening additional areas of the US Outer Continental Shelf to mineral exploration.
As the deadline approaches, stakeholders on all sides are closely watching the outcome. For the Trump administration, the auction represents a key step in its broader strategy to secure critical mineral supplies. For environmentalists, it is a test case for whether deep-sea mining can be conducted without irreparable harm to marine ecosystems. And for the people of American Samoa, the stakes are particularly high, as the region’s cultural and economic ties to the ocean hang in the balance.
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