The Marine Minerals Administration published a proposed leasing notice on August 17 for a potential critical minerals lease sale in federal waters off the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
The notice advances the leasing process by outlining potential blocks, information for prospective lessees and proposed lease conditions. The initiative is intended to support domestic access to critical minerals used in US supply chains and energy infrastructure.
The agency also completed an environmental assessment examining the potential impacts of issuing commercial leases in federal waters near the commonwealth.
The Northern Mariana Islands comprise 14 islands in the Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines, including Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
“Critical minerals are essential to America’s national security, economic strength and resource sovereignty,” said Acting Director Matt Giacona.
“The United States cannot afford to depend on foreign nations for the resources that power our economy and support our defense industrial base,” he added.
The agency stressed that publication of the proposed leasing notice does not confirm that a lease sale will take place or guarantee that exploration or collection activities will follow.
If the agency proceeds with the sale, a final leasing notice will be published in the Federal Register at least 30 days before the sale.