US sued over deep-sea mining plans near American Samoa

A legal environmental group, Earthjustice, initiated a federal lawsuit against the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. This action challenges the Trump administration's recent announcement to auction vast underwater territories surrounding American Samoa for potential deep-sea mining operations.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Fa'asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawai'i, seeks a judicial order to halt the planned lease sales. Earthjustice contends that the U.S. has not previously permitted deep-sea mining and must ensure compliance with the Endangered Species Act and other federal regulations before proceeding.

The proposed mining encompasses about 33 million acres of seabed, rich in minerals essential for batteries and electronics. The environmental group argues that the government has not adequately assessed the impact on critical habitats or endangered species, calling the National Marine Fisheries Service's determination 'wholly arbitrary and capricious.'

Concerns extend beyond environmental damage, as the lawsuit highlights the Samoan people's deep reliance on a healthy ocean for sustenance, shoreline protection, and cultural practices. The lawsuit also notes the migratory patterns of species, such as sea turtles, between American Samoa and Hawaiian waters, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these marine ecosystems.

This legal challenge comes as many nations advocate for a moratorium on deep-sea mining due to environmental risks like noise pollution and sediment plumes. Notably, no commercial seabed mining operations have ever been established globally, though exploration licenses have been granted by international bodies.