ISA Struggles to Finalize Deep-Sea Mining Code
ISA negotiations on a 107-provision deep-sea mining code ended without agreement as 37 countries call for a moratorium.
BOEM Extends Comment Period for Minerals Lease Sale Offshore American Samoa
BOEM extended the comment period on a potential seabed minerals lease sale off American Samoa to August 15, 2025.
NOAA Proposes Streamlined Deep Seabed Mining License and Permit Process
NOAA proposed consolidating deep seabed mining exploration and commercial recovery permits into a single streamlined application.
Secretary-General Opens ISA Council Session with Call for Regulatory Urgency
ISA Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho urged urgent, science-based deep-sea mining rules at the thirtieth Council session in Kingston.
Interior Department Streamlines Offshore Mineral Rules to Secure U.S. Supply Chains
The Interior Department unveiled reforms on June 25, 2025 to speed up permitting for offshore critical mineral exploration.
Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister Opposes Deepsea Mining
PNG PM James Marape opposes deep-sea mining even as New Ireland officials back reviving the Solwara 1 project with NIU Solwara.
China Strengthens ISA Ties as U.S. Pushes Rival Deep-Sea Framework
ISA Secretary-General Michael Lodge visited China to strengthen seabed mining cooperation as the U.S. pursues a rival framework.
Interior Launches First Offshore Mineral Lease Near American Samoa
The Interior Department launched its first offshore mineral lease evaluation near American Samoa in more than three decades.
India to seek licences to scout Pacific Ocean for critical minerals
India plans to apply in 2026 for Pacific Ocean deep-sea mineral exploration licenses in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone.
Norway gives green light for seabed minerals
Norway's parliament approved opening part of its continental shelf for seabed mineral exploration, not yet extraction, on January 9.