The United States has taken a major step toward deep-sea mining near American Samoa, proposing the lease of more than 31 million acres of federal waters for the extraction of critical minerals used in electric vehicles, electronics, and defense technologies.
The move is part of President Donald Trump’s broader push to expand U.S. production of critical minerals and reduce reliance on overseas supplies.
Announced by the U.S. Interior Department’s Marine Minerals Administration (MMA) on July 17, the plan would open two offshore blocks east of Taʻū Island for potential mining development. An auction is scheduled for Nov. 19, with minimum bids set at US$3 million.
The proposed lease covers two areas totaling more than 31 million acres of seabed believed to contain polymetallic nodules rich in minerals used in electric vehicles, electronics, and defense technologies.
Acting MMA Director Matt Giacona said the proposal was an important step toward securing domestic supplies of critical minerals needed for America's energy, defense, and manufacturing sectors.
