Governor working with feds to bring new economic pathways to territory

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Governor Pulaali’i N. Pula released an official statement last Friday, May 23, 2025, concerning American Samoa’s position on deep sea mining. His statement speaks of the venture being a “a unique opportunity to explore new economic pathways that could bring growth, innovation, and stability to” the territory.” His focus brings to the fore what many of the Territory have described as a negative characteristic of the local economy — “a one trick pony” — with only the commercial fishing industry on the table. Deepsea mining could be the keystone to American Samoa’s future economic path.

For decades, Pulaali’i explained in his official statement, “American Samoa has sought ways to diversify our economy beyond our longstanding reliance on the tuna industry.” And, with deep sea mining, he points out that American Samoa will also be playing “a pivotal role in advancing U.S. national security priorities by reducing U.S. dependence on foreign adversaries, particularly China.”

The governor notes that “our ocean is not only vital to our economic well-being but is central to our identity and way of life,” and as such, he is “particularly mindful of the potential impacts that deep sea mining may have on our marine environment and the tuna industry.

“To that end, I am actively working with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Office of Insular Affairs at the Department of the Interior to ensure that there is comprehensive study of the possible effects mining could have on our tuna fisheries and marine ecosystem, including implications [of] possible effects mining could have on our tuna fisheries and marine ecosystem, including implications on President Trump's Executive Order on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness, signed April 17, 2025.”

The Order, according to the governor, marks “significant steps in the United States' strategy to explore and potentially develop the vast mineral wealth beneath our oceans.

 “These efforts highlight the global importance of marine minerals and create a process for our nation to assess their potential use through responsible research and exploration.”

The scientific review, Pulaali’i states, will be essential in guiding the Territory’s decisions “and ensuring that any actions taken are grounded in sound data and environmental stewardship.”

The governor further notes that “while mining would occur within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), a federally controlled area outside American Samoa's jurisdiction, I am committed to ensuring that American Samoa is not left out.

“This means making sure our environmental concerns are addressed and mitigated and ensuring that our people receive fair compensation should any commercial ventures arise from this initiative.”

Governor Pulaali’i adds in his official statement that “it is important to clarify that the American Samoa Economic Development Council is a private organization and is not affiliated with the American Samoa Government.”

He concludes “for all official inquiries or information on this matter, please contact Senior Policy Analyst Toetasi Tuiteleleapaga at the Office of the Governor.”

BACKGROUND

The ASEDC, Governor Pulaali’i is referencing, is a local nonprofit group aiming to create a new industrial economy in American Samoa.

Its executive director is John Wasko, an American citizen and a long time American Samoa resident, married to a Samoan. His organization has led the Territory’s review and venture into deepsea mining of its waters.

Wasko, told the Pacific Island Times that “in 2020, I became aware of the critical mineral resources in American Samoa's exclusive economic zone.”

He said, “I found it in a publication of the U.S. Geological Survey. After some research, we determined that the resource was sought after by end users such as automobile manufacturers.”

Wasko describes collaboration with Impossible Metals, a U.S.-based deep-sea mining company that on April 8, 2025, became the first to request a lease from BOEM to explore and potentially mine these minerals in the deep waters surrounding American Samoa, as welcomed — it begins “the start of a deep-sea minerals industry that will bring significant economic growth, support national security and create jobs”.

The executive director of ASEDC claims that “American Samoa is positioned to be a receiving and refining hub for Asia Pacific,” he said. “A private industry.”

According to a Department of Interior press release, BOEM will begin a multi-step evaluation process grounded in science, public engagement and environmental stewardship in its response to the filing of the request by Impossible Metals for a deepsea mining lease.

The first formal step will be the publication of a request for information and Interest in the Federal Register. This notice will seek input from the Indigenous Island community, ocean users, industry stakeholders, government agencies and the public.

Feedback will help inform BOEM’s assessment of geologic conditions, potential environmental and cultural impacts and the multiple uses of the area, such as navigation and fishing. 

BOEM will also ensure full compliance with all applicable laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act.

(Sources: ASG press release, Pacific Island Times article, “American Samoa poised to lead US push for ocean mineral extraction”, and DOI press release)