AGP Executive Report
Last update: 9 hours agoDeep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. plans to auction about 33 million acres of seabed around American Samoa for critical minerals, with a Nov. 19 lease sale and minimum bids set at $3 million, as the Marine Minerals Administration moves ahead despite Pacific opposition and calls for a moratorium. Local Governance: Under federal rules, American Samoa’s governor has 60 days to review and comment before a final leasing notice is issued, making the territory’s response a key step in the process. Regional Backlash: Leaders from the Marianas and other Pacific voices are joining the fight, saying the plan threatens sacred ocean areas, marine ecosystems, and island community rights. Environmental Alarm: A new report from the Deep Sea Mining Campaign warns that radioactivity linked to seabed mining has been largely overlooked, pointing to studies finding radioactive isotopes on mineral nodules and concerns about radon release during storage and processing. Policy Context: The U.S. says the move is meant to strengthen supply chains and reduce reliance on foreign—especially China—sources of minerals used in technology and defense.
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