Earthjustice Challenges Deep-Sea Mining Leases Issued Near American Samoa
- Reports
- 2
- Developments
- 2
- Repetition
- 0%
New informationRepeats or wire copies
What happened
Earthjustice filed a lawsuit challenging deep-sea mining efforts in American Samoa waters. Separately, the Marine Minerals Administration issued the final notice for a seabed minerals lease sale covering 31.4 million acres offshore American Samoa, with the sale award set for November 19, 2026. The agency emphasized that a lease only authorizes preliminary activities, such as mapping, prior to any physical harvesting.
Why it matters
The move represents the first commercial-scale ocean mining operation proposed globally. The federal agency views critical minerals as a vital strategic asset for national defense and energy goals. However, the proposal faces opposition from local leaders and environmental groups who argue the plan lacks economic sense and consent from the territory.
US federal agencies, including the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, reviewed mineral mining proposals and released critical resources in American Samoa.
Who's involved
- EarthjusticeEnvironmental litigation organization that filed the lawsuit against the mining efforts.
- Bureau of Ocean Energy ManagementUS agency that issued the call for information and final notice for deep-sea mining leases.
- American SamoaUnincorporated territory where the deep-sea mining leases are being issued.
- Office of the GovernorOffice of the Governor of American Samoa, which has expressed opposition to the proposal and sought revenue sharing.
- Donald TrumpDonald Trump, whose administration is cited by opponents as rushing the mining proposal.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Office of the GovernorSpeculative
The Office of the Governor might see changes in revenue streams if the government is authorized to offer equitable revenue sharing from commercial operations.
- manganeseSpeculative
The potential for manganese extraction could affect global commodity prices for critical minerals.
Possible ripples
Who this could reach next, traced step by step from the reporting. Possibilities worth considering, not forecasts.How it developed
Newest first. Tap a step to see who reported it.Earthjustice challenges mineral mining efforts in American Samoa waters.1 source
Earthjustice sued MAA over lease sale in American Samoa; Mike Olsen appointed MMA director.1 source
Keep exploring
Part of
US federal agencies, including the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, reviewed mineral mining proposals and unleashed critical resources in American Samoa.Also in this story
- The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement merged to form the Marine Minerals Administration (MMA) to handle proposed seabed mining in surrounding waters.
- A senior fellow provided expert commentary regarding the management of mineral leases in American Samoa.
- The US plans to auction off water around American Samoa, a move that departs from the norms and rules of the International Seabed Authority.
The entities involved
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American Samoa
unincorporated territory of the United States of America, located in the Pacific Ocean
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Earthjustice
US environmental litigation organization
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Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
US agency managing offshore energy resources; issues offshore wind leases and Construction and Operations Plans including Vineyard Wind 1.