‘Unleashing’ seabed imperialism in American Samoa: How Washington’s deep-sea ambitions undermine Pacific self-determination

Proponents of deep-sea mining (DSM) have long evoked the principle of self-determination to argue in favour of seabed extraction.

This has been particularly apparent in Pacific contexts where some industry advocates have hailed DSM as an avenue to economic prosperity, self-reliance and subsequently, greater political sovereignty.

The Trump administration’s recent move to lease areas of American Samoa’s seabed for DSM activities – despite express opposition from the territory’s government and community – sharply undermines this principle of self-determination. It realises a fear that many in the Pacific have held of DSM as yet another front for imperialism.

So how did we get here and what ramifications may this decision have for American Samoa, the Pacific region and the deep-sea sector in general?

The push for DSM in American Samoa

Competition over critical minerals has intensified over the past 15 years as nations have come to recognise their dependence on China for the critical minerals required in advanced technologies such as computer chips, rechargeable batteries, and military equipment including fighter aircraft and missiles.

The U.S. Government began seriously pursuing efforts to secure and diversify its access to critical minerals in 2021 when President Biden ordered a review into America’s supply chains, led by the Department of Defense.

But it was not until Trump’s second presidency that seabed minerals took a starring role in Washington’s discussions on supply chain diversification – a shift largely driven by industry advocacy.

Earlier this year, Trump signed an executive order entitled unleashing America’s Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources, which celebrated seabed minerals as “key to strengthening [the American] economy, securing [America’s] energy future, and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers for critical minerals”.

This order directed Washington to “take immediate action to accelerate” DSM and paved the way for the U.S. Department of Interior to initiate a process into leasing areas of American Samoa’s seabed for extractive activities.

Of the companies contemplating mining American Samoa’s seabed, Impossible Metals has been the most public in its interest.

The company describes DSM in American Samoa as beneficial to Washington’s geostrategic interests; including for its alleged potential to “[pull] the Cook Islands away from China’s support by providing available infrastructure”. Not only does this disrespect Cook Islands’ sovereignty to engage China for seabed activities within its own jurisdiction, but it also dismisses the Pacific’s longstanding refusal to be pawns of geopolitical competition.

As for American Samoa, Impossible Metals has promised just one per cent of profit share to the territory’s community should DSM commence, compared to three per cent of revenue for the U.S. Department of Treasury. American Samoan responses to this proposal have been scathing, with one local stakeholder describing the commitment as “an insult ... this is our ocean”.

Such payment disparity coupled with the environmental, cultural and political risks shouldered by the territory should DSM occur highlights ongoing inequities in Washington’s relationship with its South Pacific territory.

American Samoa’s opposition to DSM and solidarity movements

In stark contrast to Trump’s enthusiasm, the American Samoa government has firmly opposed DSM in its territory, with bipartisan support.

In July 2024, then Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga issued an executive order declaring a moratorium on deep-sea mining exploration and exploitation activities within the territory (EO-006-2024). This stance was reaffirmed this August, with American Samoan Senators unanimously approving a resolution that endorsed the territory’s continued support for a DSM moratorium.

Across the world, support for American Samoa has been swift and strong. Pacific civil society, faith institutions, scientists and communities across other U.S. territories have stood in solidarity with American Samoa, arguing that “any approval of deep-sea minerals leasing plans would be contrary to the wishes of the local people and government”.

These allies remind us of the importance of self-determination in any consideration of DSM. In the words of the Pacific Conference of Churches: “This is not just an environmental issue. It is a question of justice, sovereignty, and faithful stewardship”.

Protecting the right to seabed stewardship

While DSM may strengthen the economic and political sovereignty of some Pacific states, current events in American Samoa expose how this sector may also threaten self-determination.

As industry and political figures ratchet up pressure to commence DSM without delay, we across the region must stand firm in protecting the right of communities to self-determined seabed stewardship.

Failure to do so risks waving the industry down a dangerous path of seabed imperialism, which once permitted, will be difficult to reverse.

Dr Philippa Louey is a Research Fellow at the Pacific Security College. Her PhD examined the politics of sustainable ocean development agendas in the Pacific.

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Views expressed via the Pacific Wayfinder blog are not necessarily those of the Pacific Security College.

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