Trump administration may sell deep-sea mining leases at startup’s urging

The U.S. Department of the Interior said Tuesday that it’s beginning the process of selling deep-sea mining leases after a request from startup Impossible Metals. The agency said the process would “evaluate a potential mineral lease sale in the waters offshore American Samoa.” The administrative procedure requires a publication in the federal register and the solicitation of public feedback before considering any sales. Given the tone of the Secretary of the Interior’s statement on the matter, the lease sale might be a foregone conclusion. “Critical minerals are fundamental to strengthening our nation’s resilience and safeguarding our national interests,” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said. “By providing opportunities to responsibly access deep-sea mineral resources, we are supporting both American economic growth and national security.” Impossible Metals, a deep-sea mining startup, submitted a formal request for the leases in April. The company has developed an underwater autono ... Read full article.