The Trump Administration’s Deep-Sea Mining Scheme

From the Pacific Islands to the ocean floor, the Trump administration’s deep-sea mining scheme could reshape the future of America’s territories and surrounding waters.

Tackling Climate Change and Environmental Injustice, Asia-Pacific, Climate Change, Climate Impacts, Climate Resilience, Conservation, Environmental and Climate Justice, Ocean, Tribal and Indigenous Issues +6 More

Media Contact

Sam Hananel

Senior Director, Media Relations

[email protected]

Government Affairs

Doug Molof

Director, Government Affairs

[email protected]

Deep‑sea mining has emerged as a new frontier in resource extraction, promising access to valuable minerals needed for batteries and renewable energy technologies. Yet for the U.S. Pacific territories—American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands—the push toward deep‑sea mining presents significant biological, cultural, and social risks.

Dr. Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka of Finafinau, Dr. Steven Mana‘oakamai Johnson of Cornell University, and Angelo Villagomez of the Center for American Progress explore what deep‑sea mining means for Pacific ecosystems, Indigenous communities, maritime livelihoods, and territorial self‑determination.

Why Alaska and U.S. Territories Get Damage, Not Dollars, From Deep-Sea Mining

Person sitting on beach and others in the ocean, with city buildings in the background

ArticleApril 21, 2026

Why Alaska and U.S. Territories Get Damage, Not Dollars, From Deep-Sea Mining

Apr 21, 2026

Angelo Villagomez, Mark Haggerty

The positions of American Progress, and our policy experts, are independent, and the findings and conclusions presented are those of American Progress alone. American Progress would like to acknowledge the many generous supporters who make our work possible.

AUTHORS

Kat So

Campaign Manager, Energy and Environment Campaigns

Margaret Cooney

Senior Campaign Manager of Storytelling, Energy and Environment Campaigns

Angelo Villagomez

Senior Fellow

PRODUCERS

Olivia Mowry

Video Producer

Toni Pandolfo

Video Producer

Team

Conservation Policy

We work to protect our lands, ocean, and wildlife; tackle climate change and nature loss; connect people to the benefits of nature; and ensure America’s lands and waters support resilient, just, and inclusive economies.