# 2026-01044: NOAA Dives into Deep Sea Mining: 1980s Rules Get a Techy Overhaul

2026-01044, Deep Seabed Mining: Revisions to Regulations for Exploration License and Commercial Recovery Permit Applications, is a Federal Register rule from Commerce Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration published 2026-01-21, effective 2026-01-21; deemed significant under Executive Order 12866 (as of 2026-06-11).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-01044
- As of: 2026-06-11
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-01044
- Title: Deep Seabed Mining: Revisions to Regulations for Exploration License and Commercial Recovery Permit Applications
- Type: Rule
- Agencies: Commerce Department; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Citation: 91 FR 2642
- Published: 2026-01-21
- Effective: 2026-01-21
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: yes (FR_METADATA)
- Touches household money: no
- Regulation identifier numbers: 0648-BN96
- Last updated: 2026-06-11

## In one line

NOAA Dives into Deep Sea Mining: 1980s Rules Get a Techy Overhaul

## Summary

NOAA just updated the rules for getting licenses to explore and mine valuable minerals from the deep seabed beyond U.S. waters. These changes make the application process simpler and clearer, reflecting new technology since the 1980s. If you’re a U.S. citizen or company wanting to dive into deep seabed mining, these new rules kick in starting January 21, 2026, so get ready to apply!

## Abstract

The Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA or the Act) charges NOAA with the responsibility for issuing licenses for exploration and permits for commercial recovery of hard mineral resources, as defined in the Act, from the deep seabed in areas beyond national jurisdiction and promulgating regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of the Act. Some provisions of the regulations require updating to reflect significant technological and information changes since promulgation of the initial regulations in the 1980s. NOAA has included a consolidated license and permit application process in a section of the regulations reserved for this purpose and has made other clarifying and conforming changes.

## Effects PRIA read

- Apply for License and Permit Together: benefit, medium. Starting January 21, 2026, NOAA added a consolidated application option (see Sec. 971.214) so U.S. citizens or companies can submit one application that seeks both an exploration license and a commercial recovery permit at the same time. This consolidated process is an alternative — applicants may…
- What Consolidated Applications Must Include: cost, medium. The rule specifies what must be in a consolidated application: both an exploration plan and a commercial recovery plan, demonstration that the applicant can pursue commercial recovery "in an expeditious and diligent manner," an estimated schedule of expenditures, technical capability details, and e…
- NOAA Posts DSHMRA Application Info Online: benefit, low. NOAA created a new DSHMRA website where it will post application information as it becomes publicly available. This site is intended to centralize guidance and materials related to applications under the updated rules.

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## Sources
- [2026-01044 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/21/2026-01044/deep-seabed-mining-revisions-to-regulations-for-exploration-license-and-commercial-recovery-permit)
- [2026-01044 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-01-21/pdf/2026-01044.pdf)

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- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-01044 (as of 2026-06-11).