Uncle Sam Reviews Deep Ocean Mining Apps in Clarion-Clipperton Zone
Published Date: 12/23/2025
Notice
Summary
The government got two applications from The Metals Company USA to explore mining deep under the ocean in a special area called the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. They’re asking the public to share thoughts by February 23, 2026, and will host two fun virtual meetings in late January to hear everyone out. This could lead to new ocean mining projects that might impact the environment and economy.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Applications for Clarion-Clipperton mining
NOAA received two amended applications from The Metals Company USA on July 27, 2025 and July 28, 2025 for deep seabed mining exploration licenses in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone and has found the applications to meet the information requirements of the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act. These applications could lead to new deep seabed mining projects that might impact the environment and the economy.
Public hearings and comment deadline
NOAA is accepting public written comments on two exploration license applications until February 23, 2026, and will hold two virtual public hearings on January 27 and January 28, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. You must register by January 21, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET to attend (attendance limited to 1,000 people per date), each speaker gets three minutes, comments must be in English, and written comments are submitted to dockets NOAA-NOS-2025-0702 and NOAA-NOS-2025-1330 on regulations.gov.
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