WASHINGTON, Oct 20 — President Donald Trump’s administration on Monday announced it had finalised a deep-sea mining auction off the coast of American Samoa, the first in the United States’ history, despite widespread opposition from locals and environmental groups.
The lease sales will cover approximately 31 million acres over two areas off the US Pacific archipelago, with bidding set for November 19.
“Critical minerals are no longer just commodities; they are a vital strategic asset in global competition, essential for reaching our energy efficiency goals, strengthening our national defence, and securing domestic supply chains,” said Mike Olsen, acting director for the Marine Minerals Administration (MMA), which falls under the Interior Department, in a statement.
