Environmental Group Challenges U.S. Deep-Sea Mining Plans

A legal environmental group has initiated a lawsuit to stop plans by the U.S. government to auction sections of water around American Samoa for deep-sea mining. The suit was filed by Earthjustice against the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, representing Fa‘asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawai‘i.

The group seeks a court order preventing the advancement of leasing plans and compelling the National Marine Fisheries Service to adhere to the Endangered Species Act and other federal laws. According to the lawsuit, the United States is venturing into deep-sea mining for the first time, intending to sell leases for approximately 33 million acres (13.4 million hectares) of seabed rich in minerals like nickel, cobalt, and manganese, essential for batteries and electronics production. The group argues that the U.S. should first ensure these activities do not damage critical habitats or endanger species.

The environmental group criticized the National Marine Fisheries Service’s conclusion that leasing would not harm critical habitats or endangered species, labeling it as ‘arbitrary and capricious.’ The lawsuit emphasizes reliance on a healthy ocean ecosystem by the Samoan people, which provides food, shoreline protection, and cultural foundations. The cultural significance of species like sea turtles, whales, and manta rays, which are protected under local bans, is highlighted.

Non-compliance with U.S. acts is reportedly impacting professional, educational, and cultural interests in American Samoan and Hawaiian waters. The waters around American Samoa are home to rare marine life, including coral reefs, sponges, and endangered sea turtles. The proposed leasing area lies 57 miles (92 kilometers) from the Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.

President Trump’s administration aims to accelerate mining permits amid global calls for a moratorium or ban on deep-sea mining due to environmental risks. Earthjustice noted there are no commercial seabed mining operations worldwide despite exploratory efforts authorized by the International Seabed Authority. Much exploration is occurring in the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone between Hawaii and Mexico. The U.S. has not ratified the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, thus, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration handles U.S. mineral exploration and recovery activities.

A spokesperson for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s fisheries service stated they could not comment on ongoing litigation. The U.S. Department of Commerce provided no immediate comment. On Monday, the U.S. government released a leasing notice for the Northern Mariana Islands covering 69 million acres (28 million hectares). Matt Giacona from the Marine Minerals Administration emphasized the importance of critical minerals for national security and economic independence. The announcement drew backlash from scientists and environmentalists.

“It’s disgraceful that the Trump administration is bulldozing ahead with plans to allow deep-sea mining while the people who live closest to the proposed project are rightfully demanding that it be stopped,” said Nick Katkevich, oceans campaigner at the Center for Biological Diversity.

Katkevich condemned the proposals for posing excessive risks to marine life. For more information on Latin America and the Caribbean, visit AP’s coverage.