Gov. David M. Apatang and Lt. Gov. Dennis C. Mendiola are urging residents to make their voices heard in a federal process that could shape the future of seabed mining in Commonwealth waters.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, under the U.S. Department of the Interior, has issued a Request for Information seeking public input on potential leasing for critical minerals on the Outer Continental Shelf offshore the CNMI.
The RFI marks the first step in what could become a significant federal initiative to explore and extract minerals from the ocean floor. These resources—essential for technologies such as batteries, renewable energy systems and electronics—are increasingly in demand worldwide. But the prospect of seabed mining raises questions about environmental impacts, cultural considerations and economic benefits for the islands.
To foster transparency and community engagement, the Office of the Governor will host a town hall meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, at the Governor Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe. Officials will outline the details of the RFI, explain what is at stake and invite residents to share their concerns and ideas.
Apatang and Mendiola are calling for broad participation to ensure the CNMI’s perspective is fully represented.
Public comments will be accepted until Jan. 12, 2025, through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov/document/BOEM-2025-0351-0001 by searching BOEM-2025-0351, or by mailing them to BOEM’s Pacific Region office in Camarillo, California.
