Mineral lease is the milestone in U.S. offshore mineral development

To strengthen domestic critical mineral resources, the U.S. Department of the Interior is initiating a process to evaluate a potential mineral lease sale in the waters offshore the American Samoa , the first such action in over 30 years. This initiative is a pivotal moment in advancing the strategic focus on domestic resource development outlined during President Donald J. Trump’s administration.

Foundamental resource

Doug Burgum, the Secretary of the Interior, emphasized: “Critical minerals are fundamental to strengthening our nation’s resilience and safeguarding our national interests, (…) by providing opportunities to responsibly access deep-sea mineral resources, we are supporting both American economic growth and national security”.

Cornerstone of national security

The Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), managed by the Department of the Interior, spans 3.2 billion acres, larger than the entire U.S. landmass. Under President Trump’s Executive Order, “Unleashing America’s Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources,” seabed mineral development has been recognized as a cornerstone of national security, especially as international activity in the Pacific region intensifies.

The process begins

On April 8, 2025, Impossible Metals Inc., a U.S.-based company, formally requested a lease sale. In response, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will launch a science-driven, multi-step evaluation process that prioritizes public engagement and environmental stewardship.

First steps

The first formal step? A Request for Information and Interest was published in the Federal Register. This call invites input from Indigenous Island communities, ocean users, industry stakeholders, government agencies, and the public to ensure comprehensive evaluation of geological, environmental, cultural, and economic considerations.

Commitment to suistanaible development

BOEM is committed to adhering to critical legislation, including the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act, ensuring that any future development is aligned with environmental sustainability and cultural respect.