seabed mining

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.

Officials from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will be meeting with the governors of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands this week.

In a webinar hosted by Right to Democracy and the America the Beautiful for All Coalition, representatives from citizen groups discussed their efforts to reach community members during the 60-day comment period.

Last week, the Legislature passed a resolution opposing the federal government's plan to allow seabed mining near the Mariana Trench.

Agency representatives and members of the public will discuss a federal proposal to lease deep-sea areas near the Mariana Trench for mining critical minerals.

Gov. David M. Apatang and Lt. Gov. Dennis C. Mendiola are urging residents to participate in a federal review process that could determine the future of seabed mining in Commonwealth waters.

The new deadline for submitting comments on a plan to lease an area east of the CNMI for deep-sea mineral mining is Jan. 12, 2026.