Government Wants Your Opinion on Pacific Island Mining Plans
Published Date: 12/15/2025
Notice
Summary
The government is giving folks an extra 30 days to share their thoughts about leasing mineral rights offshore near the Northern Mariana Islands. This means anyone interested in mining or business there has until January 12, 2026, to speak up. Plus, they fixed a small mistake in the area description to keep things clear and fair.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
30-Day Extension to Comment Deadline
BOEM extended the public comment period for the Request for Information and Interest (RFI) published November 12, 2025. The deadline for submitting comments, information, or indications of interest was moved from December 12, 2025 to January 12, 2026, giving interested parties 30 extra days to respond.
Correction to RFI Area Location
BOEM issued a technical correction to the RFI area description: the RFI Area is located east (not west) of the Mariana Trench National Monument along the eastern edge of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (Northern Mariana Islands), as reflected in Figure 1 of the RFI. This clarifies which offshore area is being considered for commercial mineral leasing.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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