American Samoa raises concerns as federal deep-sea mining review advances

On June 12, 2025, the United States Department of the Interior (DOI) announced its initial steps for a potential deep-sea mineral lease sale in federal waters near American Samoa. The proposition marked the first stage of a public review that seeks to open the surrounding Pacific seabed for mining of critical minerals used in electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy technologies. 

The Department started its first steps in publishing a Request for Information and Interest (RFI) regarding potential commercial leasing for critical minerals. The RFI doesn’t stand as an official decision to lease the waters, but rather invites public comments and information to gather feedback on environmental, cultural, and economic considerations. According to the DOI, the initiative was started with the Trump administration’s Executive Order as a strategy to “restore American energy and mineral independence, ” while maintaining environmental protection standards. 

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) emphasized that the process remains preliminary and will not authorize any mining activity at the current stage. 

“We are taking a cautious, informed approach that relies on science, engagement, and transparency,” said Doug Boren, BOEM’s Pacific Regional Director. 

The proposed leasing area is located around 600 miles northeast of American Samoa, within the US Exclusive Economic Zone surrounding the Pacific Remote Islands. Scientists are worried that the area’s ecologically sensitive deep-sea habitats could be disrupted by extraction activities. Environmental organizations and Pacific Island governments have emphasized the need for caution when approaching deep-sea ecosystems due to their long-term recovery potential. 

American Samoan Governor Pulaali’i Nikola Pula (R) requested that the original 30-day comment period be extended until August 15, 2025, to allow more time for community consultation and comments. The request was approved.

Pula’s request reflects the territory’s concern for guaranteeing that local perspectives are included in federal decisions. In his correspondence with BOEM, he emphasized the importance of cultural respect and consultation with island communities before any exploration occurs. 

Consequently, on November 11, BOEM advanced the process by completing the Area Identification phase for the American Samoa offshore region. This phase identified approximately 33 million acres of seabed that will be evaluated for resources. BOEM has also issued a new Request for Information and Interest for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (NMI), expanding the potential offshore leasing opportunities beyond American Samoa. These developments show that the initiative is no longer limited to preliminary inquiry, but has grown into a regional strategy that may create cultural implications for Pacific Island communities. 

BOEM aims to manage the development of resources on the US Outer Continental Shelf in an environmentally and economically responsible way, monitoring leasing for both energy and mineral activities. Following the extended comment period, the Bureau will review feedback and determine whether to proceed with any environmental impact analysis, a process that could take several years before any leasing decisions are made.

The initial proposition and these advancements reflect American Samoan hopes to advance the national renewable energy supply. Though there are concerns about environmental safety, the continued consultation is a step towards economic ambition that continues to extend the territory’s goal of integrating its agricultural economy industrially.