US Proposes Deep-Sea Mining Auction Near Northern Mariana Islands

The U.S. Interior Department has put forward a proposal to auction deep-sea mining leases in waters surrounding the Northern Mariana Islands, a move aimed at bolstering domestic supplies of critical minerals.

The Marine Minerals Administration (MMA) outlined plans for an offshore minerals sale covering roughly 67 million acres of seabed on both the eastern and western sides of the U.S. Pacific territory. The auction is tentatively scheduled for December 16, 2026, in California, with leases to be awarded through a competitive bidding process.

Successful bidders would gain rights to explore for and potentially develop deposits of minerals essential to batteries, electronics, and defense applications. Acting MMA Director Matt Giacona said the proposal is designed to secure U.S. access to minerals critical for supply chains, manufacturing, and national security.

Before any final decision, the MMA will review comments from the governor of the Northern Mariana Islands. Governor David Apatang, in remarks submitted in January, said he neither supports nor opposes seabed mining, citing the need for more data on environmental consequences. His office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The proposal follows a similar initiative last month, when the administration floated leasing more than 31 million acres of seabed off American Samoa. Both efforts are part of a broader push to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign sources of critical minerals.

Environmental advocates have voiced opposition to deep-sea mining, arguing that its impact on marine ecosystems remains poorly understood. Proponents, however, contend that such mining could offer a fresh supply of minerals vital for electric vehicles, electronics, and military hardware.