seabed mining

“The ocean is the heart of Micronesian identity, livelihood and future prosperity. It faces mounting pressure from climate change, sea level rise, pollution and unsustainable exploitation."

The mayors of the Northern Mariana Islands have issued a joint statement opposing proposed seabed mining in CNMI waters, citing a lack of scientific studies, economic justification, and community consultation.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero is asking the Department of the Interior for mandatory federal consultation on the offshore mineral lease sales between the waters of Guam and the CNMI.

The bill would require 50% of revenues from seabed mining leases to go to the federal government and the other 50% to be distributed to affected territories.

With BOEM identifying 69 million acres around the CNMI for potential mineral leasing, CNMI leaders are demanding scientific rigor, territorial authority, and revenue protections before any offshore activity proceeds.

BOEM has proposed a December offshore mineral lease sale that would open more than 67 million acres around the Northern Mariana Islands to bidding for deep‑sea mineral exploration.

Panelists testifying on Bill 253-38 told senators the bill should include more specific language to prohibit mining ships from docking, staging or supplying in Guam waters.

Lawmakers will hold a hearing Wednesday on a bill that would ban seabed mining and allow local officials to reject permits for mining businesses or turn away ships engaged in deep-sea mining.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has completed the area identification phase of its Outer Continental Shelf mineral leasing process for potential critical mineral development offshore the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The decision outlines which offshore tracts may advance to environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act but does not authorize leasing or mineral extraction.

Protesters gathered outside the Governor’s Office on Friday as Gov. David Apatang met privately with federal officials about potential seabed mining in the Marianas.