US sets Nov. 19 lease for deep-sea mineral auction off American Samoa

The Trump administration announced a final leasing notice for the first federal auction of offshore critical minerals leases in waters surrounding American Samoa, the US Marine Minerals Administration said Oct. 19.

The auction, known as Pacific Mineral Lease Sale 1, is scheduled for Nov. 19 and will offer two lease areas covering a combined 31.5 million acres on the American Samoa Outer Continental Shelf.

The leases would cover polymetallic nodules and ferromanganese crust deposits, while oil, gas, sulfur, and other reserved minerals would remain under federal control. The leases would have a 20-year primary term and a minimum bonus bid of $3 million per area.

The agency's notice represents another step in the Trump administration's broader effort to evaluate domestic sources of critical minerals as concerns grow over US dependence on foreign supply chains, particularly those dominated by China. Deep-sea mineral deposits have attracted interest because they may contain nickel, cobalt, manganese and rare earth elements used in batteries, magnets and other strategic technologies.

The proposed leasing program has also drawn scrutiny from environmental groups and marine scientists, who argue that commercial seabed mining could harm poorly understood deep-ocean ecosystems. American Samoa community organizations and fishing interests have previously raised concerns about potential impacts on fisheries, cultural resources and marine habitat.

"MMA recognizes the ocean floor surrounding American Samoa carries cultural, economic, and environmental significance, requiring that the pursuit of National Security and energy readiness is balanced with rigorous environmental stewardship," acting MMA Director Mike Olsen said in a statement. "As MMA evaluates potential deep-sea resources, its priority remains guided by science, environmental review, and meaningful engagement with the people and leadership of American Samoa."

The final leasing notice includes stipulations covering endangered species protections, fisheries communication plans, environmental monitoring, community engagement and local economic development requirements.