Pacific island leaders are challenging US plans to open nearby waters for deep-sea mining exploration. They say Washington announced the proposals without consulting communities that depend heavily on ocean resources. Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Governor David Apatang said the plans have created unease.
“Some concerns include disruption to food security for the people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, who rely on the ocean resources for their survival,” Apatang told AFP.
Officials later announced another similarly sized exploration area west of Saipan.
“There have been no consultations with the people of the Northern Mariana Islands,” he said.
Pacific Communities Fear Environmental Damage
Mining companies want to extract nickel, copper and cobalt from polymetallic nodules. However, critics warn mining could damage marine ecosystems.
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in 2025 aimed at “unleashing” seabed resources for energy and military needs.
Meanwhile, Mariana Islands, Guam and American Samoa support a temporary mining ban. Guam has banned mining vessels from using its ports, while Northern Mariana Islands officials may consider similar action.
American Samoa Faces Mining Auction
The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management could auction exploration licenses for a 125,000-square-kilometre area near American Samoa in November. The site borders Rose Atoll marine sanctuary, which supports endangered Hawksbill turtles.
American Samoa lawmaker Aumua Amata warned mining could threaten fisheries, which generate much of the territory’s export earnings.
“I represent our people and I am confident that a majority of American Samoans are opposed,” she told AFP.
Environmental advocate Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka said it was impossible to put a “price tag” on the ocean. Former US diplomat Emily Wood questioned financial benefits. She said Impossible Metals had offered one percent of profits, calling the amount insignificant compared with potential damage.
