Key facts
- The U.S. Interior Department proposed an auction of deep-sea mining leases in U.S. waters near the Northern Mariana Islands.
- The proposed auction covers about 67 million acres of seabed.
- The sale is planned for December 16, 2026, in California.
- The leases would enable companies to explore for and develop critical minerals essential for batteries, electronics, and defense technologies.
- The initiative is part of an effort to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign sources of critical minerals.
The U.S. Interior Department has proposed an auction of deep-sea mining leases in U.S. waters surrounding the Northern Mariana Islands, a move aimed at increasing domestic access to critical minerals. The proposed sale, scheduled for December 16, 2026, in California, would cover approximately 67 million acres of seabed. These leases would permit companies to explore for and potentially develop deposits of minerals vital for batteries, electronics, and defense technologies.
Acting Marine Minerals Administration Director Matt Giacona stated the proposal supports U.S. supply chains, manufacturing, and national security. Before proceeding, officials will consider comments from the governor of the Northern Mariana Islands, David Apatang, who has previously expressed a need for more information on environmental impacts. This initiative follows a similar proposal last month to lease over 31 million acres of seabed off American Samoa.
Environmental groups have voiced opposition to deep-sea mining, citing the need for further research into its effects on marine ecosystems. Supporters, however, argue that such mining could provide a new source of essential minerals for electric vehicles, electronics, and military equipment.