Archive · 18 Aug 2026
Trump administration proposes deep-sea mining leases near Northern Mariana Islands
The United States government wants to find important rocks and minerals that are used to make things like batteries, phones, and military equipment.
These minerals are called critical minerals.
The government thinks it is important to get these minerals from its own land instead of buying them from other countries.
So, it has a plan to let companies dig for minerals at the bottom of the ocean.
The digging would happen in a part of the Pacific Ocean near the Northern Mariana Islands, which is a US territory.
The government wants to sell mining leases at an auction in December 2026.
Some people are worried that digging in the ocean could hurt sea animals and plants.
They say scientists need more time to study the ocean before mining starts.
Other people think mining the ocean could give us the minerals we need for electric cars and electronics.
The governor of the Northern Mariana Islands says he needs more information before deciding if he supports the plan.
The US Interior Department proposed a December 2026 auction of deep-sea mining leases covering about 67 million acres around the Northern Mariana Islands.
The Marine Minerals Administration scheduled the sale for December 16, 2026, in California, with companies competing through a bidding process.
The leases would allow companies to explore and potentially develop deposits of critical minerals used in batteries, electronics and defence technologies.
The proposal follows a move last month offering more than 31 million acres of seabed off American Samoa for deep-sea mining.
Environmental groups oppose deep-sea mining over marine ecosystem concerns, while supporters say it could supply minerals for electric vehicles, electronics and military equipment.
- Who
- The Trump administration, the US Interior Department and Marine Minerals Administration, Acting MMA Director Matt Giacona, and Northern Mariana Islands Governor Apatang.
- What
- A proposal for a December 2026 auction of deep-sea mining leases covering about 67 million acres of seabed around the Northern Mariana Islands.
- When
- The auction is scheduled for December 16, 2026; Governor Apatang submitted comments in January.
- Where
- Seabed areas east and west of the Northern Mariana Islands, with the auction to be held in California.
- Why
- To strengthen US access to critical minerals for supply chains, manufacturing and national security, and reduce dependence on foreign sources.
Environmental protection
Mineral supply and security
Deep-sea mining impact
Environmental protection
Environmental groups argue researchers need more time to study the potential impact of seabed mining on marine ecosystems before proceeding.
Mineral supply and security
Industry supporters argue seabed mining could create a new source of minerals needed for electric vehicles, electronics and military equipment.
Pace of development
Environmental protection
Critics say the auction is moving ahead before enough is known about environmental risks, and the governor has asked for more information on environmental impact.
Mineral supply and security
The administration says the proposal aims to strengthen US access to minerals important for supply chains, manufacturing and national security.
- Proposing agency
- US Interior Department / Marine Minerals Administration
- Lease area
- About 67 million acres around the Northern Mariana Islands
- Auction date
- December 16, 2026
- Auction location
- California
- Target minerals
- Critical minerals for batteries, electronics and defence technologies
- Prior action
- 31 million acres of seabed off American Samoa offered last month
- Governor's position
- Neither supported nor opposed; cited need for environmental impact information
- Environmental groups
- Opposed, citing need for more research on marine ecosystems