The Marine Minerals Administration (MMA) today published a Proposed Leasing Notice for a potential minerals lease sale in federal waters offshore the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).
The Proposed Leasing Notice advances the leasing process to support responsible access to domestic critical minerals needed to strengthen U.S. supply chains, enhance energy readiness, improve the affordability of domestic manufacturing, and sustain the technologies that power the nation’s modern economy.
“America’s national security and economic vitality depend on reliable access to a secure critical minerals supply chain,” said Matt Giacona, acting director for the MMA. “The value of critical minerals remains a strategic asset, and MMA’s efforts lay the foundation for responsible development of the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf by combining science-based analysis, rigorous environmental review and a transparent leasing process to support energy security, economic growth and environmental stewardship.”
The Proposed Leasing Notice outlines the terms and conditions for the potential sale, including blocks under consideration, information to lessees and proposed lease stipulations. In addition, MMA has completed an Environmental Assessment analyzing the potential impacts of issuing commercial leases in federal waters near the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
The Proposed Leasing Notice, its supporting materials and the Environmental Assessment are now available at www.boem.gov/cnmi-2026. A Notice of Availability for the PLN will be published in the Federal Register August 18, 2026.
Issuance of the Proposed Leasing Notice does not affirm that a lease sale will be held, nor does it guarantee that any exploration or collection activities will occur should MMA move forward with a sale. If MMA does decide to move forward with the lease sale, the agency will publish a Final Leasing Notice in the Federal Register at least 30 days prior to the sale date.
For additional details, including maps and leasing forms, visit: www.boem.gov/cnmi-2026.
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As of July 10, 2026, the Department of the Interior has reunified the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement into the Marine Minerals Administration, which will oversee the responsible development of the nation’s offshore energy and marine mineral resources with an integrated focus on safety, environmental protection and efficient oversight. For more information, visit https://www.doi.gov/mma-reunification.