What's New?
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced key developments in its offshore critical minerals planning, with the completion of Area Identification offshore American Samoa.
Pacific OCS Critical Minerals
The Pacific OCS contains four different mineral deposit types: polymetallic nodules, cobalt-rich crusts, sulfide deposits, and phosphorites. Areas of the Pacific OCS hold substantial potential for these critical minerals, which are essential for modern technology and energy systems. Ongoing exploration and assessment of these resources can play a vital role in securing the U.S. supply chain for critical minerals, enhancing economic stability and national security.
BOEM manages a multi-step process grounded in science, public engagement, and environmental stewardship.
Throughout the process, BOEM will also ensure full compliance with all applicable laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act.
BOEM employs a dedicated team of geoscientists, marine scientists and other technical experts to focus on critical minerals who are diligently assessing the location and quantities of these valuable minerals in the Pacific OCS. We are actively collaborating with other federal agencies, like the USGS and NOAA, and partner organizations to map and characterize seabed mineral resources in the Pacific OCS.
BOEM's Pacific regional environmental studies play a crucial role in assisting future planning and decisions for critical minerals leasing and potential development.
BOEM has co-funded several studies to better understand these resources. Recent activities include:
- 2025 – Guam and the Mariana Arc (Ocean Exploration Trust NA171)
- 2024 – American Samoa (Ocean Exploration Trust NA165)
- 2023 – Kingman Reef & Palmyra Atoll (Ocean Exploration Trust NA149)
- 2022 – Escanaba Trough and Gorda Ridge (USGS)
Related Announcements
- BOEM Advances Offshore Minerals Planning Efforts in American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (11/10/2025)
- BOEM Advances Offshore Mineral Leasing Opportunities in Alaska and the Pacific (09/30/2025)
- BOEM Extends Public Comment Period on Request for Information and Interest on Potential Minerals Lease Sale Offshore American Samoa (07/15/2025)
- Interior Initiates First Step for Potential Mineral Lease Sale Offshore American Samoa, DOI news release (06/12/2025)
Click on the thumbnail below to view prospectus seabed mineral regions in the Pacific through the USGS viewer.
