U.S. Moves to Assess Seabed Mining Proposal Near American Samoa

The U.S. Interior Department has initiated a review of a proposal for seabed mining off the coast of American Samoa, signaling a pivotal moment in potential commercial extraction of valuable ocean minerals.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Interior Department announced plans to assess a request from Impossible Metals, a California-based firm, to extract metals from the seabed near American Samoa. This initiative follows an executive order issued last month, urging federal agencies to fast-track permits for seabed mining not only in U.S. territorial waters but also in international territories. However, the legality of such ventures has come under scrutiny, as many countries contend that the U.S. lacks the jurisdiction to mine seabed resources beyond its own territorial waters.

Rich deposits of potato-sized nodules cover some ocean floors, containing crucial minerals like nickel, cobalt, and manganese, which are vital for advanced technologies considered critical to U.S. economic and military interests. As global supply chains for these minerals increasingly come under the control of China, the urgency to secure domestic sources has intensified.

While commercial-scale seabed mining remains untested, significant technological advancements are necessary to navigate the challenges associated with ocean floor extraction. Additionally, there are growing environmental concerns surrounding the potential impacts of such operations. Many countries remain frustrated over delays in seabed mining due to the absence of internationally agreed-upon regulations and environmental safeguards, especially under a U.N. treaty supported by nearly all nations except the U.S.

President Trump's recent executive order has sparked backlash from various governments and activist organizations, alleging that unilateral permits issued by the U.S. could violate widely recognized international laws governing oceanic resources. As the Biden administration moves forward with the evaluation process, the debate surrounding seabed mining is poised to amplify, focusing on balancing economic interests with environmental protection and international law adherence.