US Finalizes First Deep-Sea Mining Auction for Critical Minerals Off American Samoa

The US administration has finalized its first-ever deep-sea mining auction, offering leases for approximately 31 million acres off the coast of American Samoa to extract polymetallic nodules rich in critical minerals like nickel, copper, and cobalt. This decision, made despite opposition from local communities and environmental groups, underscores the strategic importance of securing domestic supply chains for critical minerals essential for energy efficiency and national defense.