Trump Administration Considers Deep-Sea Mining Leases

Deep-Sea Mining Leases to be Considered off American Samoa

The U.S. Department of the Interior announced on Tuesday the initiation of procedures for offering deep-sea mining leases. This action follows a formal request submitted by the startup company, Impossible Metals (formerly known as Impossible Mining).

Initiating the Lease Sale Process

The agency indicated that the process will involve evaluating a potential mineral lease sale within the waters located off the coast of American Samoa. A necessary step in this administrative procedure is the publication of details in the Federal Register and the gathering of public comments before any sales are authorized.

The Interior Secretary’s statement suggests a favorable outlook for the lease sale’s approval.

Statements from the Interior Secretary

“Critical minerals are essential for bolstering our national resilience and protecting our national interests,” stated Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. “By enabling responsible access to deep-sea mineral resources, we are simultaneously fostering American economic expansion and reinforcing national security.”

Impossible Metals’ Request

Impossible Metals, a company specializing in deep-sea mining, initially requested these leases in April.

Innovative Mining Technology

The company has engineered an underwater, autonomous vehicle. This vehicle is deployed to the ocean floor via crane and utilizes robotic claws to collect polymetallic nodules, which are rich in valuable minerals. Impossible Metals asserts that its UAV technology is less damaging to the delicate deep-water environment compared to competing methods, many of which employ vacuum systems for nodule extraction.

The Value of Polymetallic Nodules

These nodules accumulate minerals dissolved in seawater over millions of years, including manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, and copper. Global demand for these critical minerals has increased dramatically with the ongoing shift towards electrification. China’s significant control over key mineral markets, such as cobalt, has prompted both companies and governments to seek alternative supply sources.

The high mineral concentrations found within these nodules – exceeding those typically recovered from land-based mines – have attracted considerable interest from prospecting entities.

Environmental Concerns

Ecologists and oceanographers have cautioned that mining activities in areas abundant with polymetallic nodules pose a risk to fragile ecosystems. Deep-sea life exhibits slow growth rates, meaning any disturbance could take decades to recover. Recent research indicates that microbial communities may require up to 50 years to fully recover from mining operations.

Potential Impacts on Deep-Sea Life

Mining robots could directly harm sponges and other organisms inhabiting the seafloor. Even areas not directly mined would be affected by sediment plumes, polluting the typically pristine water. Furthermore, these nodules contribute to oxygen production, potentially aiding in the search for extraterrestrial life.