ASG leaders united against proposed seabed mining in local waters

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Pula & Pulu administration has firmly opposed the proposed seabed mining operations in the waters surrounding American Samoa in a video announcement released by the Governor’s Office over the weekend. The announcement featured Head of Communications Don Maifala, who conveyed this message.

Maifala stated that the governor has recently convened meetings with key stakeholders, including environmental advocates, local community leaders, and representatives from various industries, to thoroughly address the implications of the proposed seabed mining activities. During these discussions, the administration focused on the potential environmental impact and the importance of preserving the unique marine ecosystems that are vital to the culture and economy of American Samoa.

“This past week, Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula met with key leaders to address the proposed seabed mining activities in our waters. 

“In a united stand, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Congresswoman, Senate President, and Speaker of the House express their opposition to the commercial leasing proposal by BOEM and reaffirm their commitments to protecting American Samoa's natural resources. 

“The public is encouraged to submit their input during the ongoing 30-day comment period,” said Maifala.

Both the Governor and the Congresswoman had previously expressed a ‘wait & see’ approach to deepsea mining, saying further information — including scientific review — needed to be assessed before a decision could be made.

Gov. Pulaali’i in his statement in particular noted that American Samoa has sought for decades to diversify its economy beyond the longstanding reliance on the tuna industry. “This initiative presents a unique opportunity to explore new economic pathways that could bring growth, innovation, and stability to our territory,“ he said, adding that the initiative also “positions American Samoa such that we could play a pivotal role in advancing U.S. national security priorities by reducing U.S. dependence on foreign adversaries, particularly China.”

As previously reported by Samoa News, the U.S. Interior Department said recently that it was publishing a request for information and interest to explore the potential for seabed mineral leasing offshore American Samoa. This step would launch a 30-day public comment period and initiate formal action toward what could be the first mineral lease sale in federal waters in over 30 years.

Delivering on President Donald J. Trump’s agenda to restore American energy and mineral independence, the DOI has opened the Request for Information — published in the Federal Register at regulations.gov — launching the 30-day public comment period, which is scheduled to end July 16, 2025.

The public notice states among other things that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will continue coordination with ASG throughout the OCS mineral leasing process relating to the area proposed for leasing.

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum point out that while other nations are racing to dominate critical mineral production, President Trump ensures the United States leads from the front. They are taking action to put America first, unlock the vast offshore mineral resources, and end the dangerous dependence on foreign supply chains. 

The RFI issued by the BOEM seeks input from various voices — American Samoa’s Indigenous community, ocean users, industry, government agencies, and the public, it further states.

Feedback will inform BOEM’s analysis of mineral potential, industry interest, environmental safeguards, cultural heritage considerations, and current ocean uses such as navigation and fishing. 

The RFI and submission details are available at www.boem.gov/American-Samoa.