By George Omagbemi
The administration of United States President Donald Trump has finalised plans for the country’s first-ever deep-sea mining lease auction off American Samoa, proceeding despite opposition from local leaders, residents and environmental organisations.
The auction will cover approximately 31 million acres of seabed across two areas in the Pacific, with bidding scheduled for November 19, 2026, according to the administration’s announcement on Monday.
The US government says the initiative is intended to improve access to critical minerals needed for energy technologies, national defence and domestic supply chains.
Mike Olsen, acting director of the Marine Minerals Administration, said the minerals were strategic assets in global competition. He also acknowledged the cultural, economic and environmental importance of the ocean surrounding American Samoa, adding that development must be balanced with environmental protection.
Deep-sea mining companies are interested in extracting polymetallic nodules containing minerals such as nickel, copper and cobalt. These materials are used in various industrial applications, including batteries and other energy-related technologies.
However, environmental organisations warn that disturbing the seabed could damage marine habitats, generate sediment plumes that affect marine life and disrupt species that depend on the ocean environment.
Local opposition grows
American Samoa has banned deep-sea mining in its territorial waters since 2024. However, the proposed auction concerns the federally controlled Outer Continental Shelf beyond those territorial waters.
In a public comment submitted in September, Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula said he did not support commercial deep-sea mineral extraction at this time, while acknowledging that the final decision rests with the US government.
Environmental group Oceana has also criticised the decision to proceed. Its defence campaign manager, Julia Singer, argued that the proposal disregarded concerns raised by scientists, local leaders and community members.
The proposed lease areas also border the Rose Atoll marine sanctuary, which supports sensitive marine ecosystems and endangered hawksbill turtles.
Legal challenge to the auction
Opposition has moved beyond public criticism. Environmental and community groups filed a lawsuit on October 19, arguing that the leasing plan violates regulatory requirements and treaty obligations involving American Samoa’s village governments and traditional leadership. The legal challenge seeks to stop the process.
The planned auction does not, by itself, authorise companies to begin commercial mineral extraction. Under the administration’s stated process, successful bidders would first obtain leases permitting preliminary activities such as seabed mapping. Further regulatory approvals would be required before physical exploration, testing or full-scale harvesting could proceed.
The dispute highlights a broader challenge facing governments seeking critical minerals for energy and security: balancing industrial and strategic interests with environmental protection and the rights and concerns of affected communities.
With bidding scheduled for November 19, the proposed sale is likely to remain the focus of legal and environmental debate as opponents seek to prevent the development from proceeding.
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