The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has approved Impossible Metals’ request to begin the leasing process for deep-sea mineral exploration off the coast of American Samoa. Impossible Metals is the first company to request the lease under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of 1953 for critical mineral exploration in the deep sea.
The requested exploration area is anticipated to contain significant deposits of critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies, national defense, and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.
Impossible Metals is pioneering a new approach to underwater mining with its autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), the only robot designed to selectively harvest polymetallic nodules from the seabed. Using robotics and AI to hover above the ocean floor, the AUV collects polymetallic nodules while avoiding visible life and minimizing environmental disruption. Polymetallic nodules contain critical minerals, including nickel, cobalt, copper, magnesium, and rare earths.
The company plans to work closely with the local community in American Samoa and other agencies, scientists, and environmental organizations to ensure responsible development and long-term environmental protection. The agency’s first formal step will be a request for information and interest from the public, which will be an opportunity for experts, the community, and the public to provide input and data.
This milestone represents a significant step in building a secure, sustainable U.S. supply of critical minerals while setting a new standard for responsible ocean resource management.
Image courtesy of the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, 2017 American Samoa.
