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EnvironmentTrump administration moves to start deep-sea mining off American Samoa, auction set for Nov 19
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The Trump administration has published a draft notice of intent to lease a mining concession on the outer continental shelf of American Samoa, aiming to become the first to exploit the seafloor for critical minerals. The project, which could herald the first large-scale seabed mining operations, is due to open with an auction on 19 November, making around 12 million hectares available for development. Acting director of the US Marine Minerals Administration Matt Giacona cited China's dominance in critical mineral supply as a strategic risk. The announcement has sparked criticism from scientists and environmental groups, who warn of disastrous consequences for biodiversity and ecosystems. American Samoa, a self-governing US territory, has repeatedly called for a moratorium on seabed mining in its waters.
Source report
The US government has published a draft notice of intent to lease a mining concession on the outer continental shelf of American Samoa in the Pacific Ocean, paving the way for deep-sea mining in US waters.
Strategic Importance of Critical Minerals
"Critical minerals have become a strategic asset in global competition, and China's dominance in the supply of many of these materials creates unacceptable risks for America's energy, defense and manufacturing sectors," said Matt Giacona, acting director of the US Marine Minerals Administration (MMA).
Auction and Scale
The project, which could herald the first large-scale seabed mining operations, is scheduled to open with an auction on 19 November. According to the NGO Earth Justice, the Trump administration plans to make approximately 12 million hectares available for development.
Environmental Concerns
The announcement on Thursday has sparked a wave of criticism, as scientists fear that exploiting the seabed could have disastrous consequences for biodiversity and an ecosystem that has yet to be fully studied.
"The stakes are not theoretical; they are very real for our oceans and the people who rely on healthy fisheries," said Julia Singer of Oceana. "Any destruction done today will be felt for generations to come."
"Pacific peoples are being asked to shoulder the risks of a destructive new industry enabling corporations to chase profits in one of the last wild places on earth," said Arlo Hemphill of Greenpeace USA.
Local Opposition
American Samoa, a self-governing US territory, has repeatedly called for a moratorium on seabed mining in its waters.
Additional reporting: Europe has the legal firepower to stop deep-sea mining, campaigners say. The European Union has the political power to curb the global development of seabed mining...
Source
EuractivWestern
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Trump administration moves to start deep-sea mining in American Samoa waters