Diving into Fed Rules for Seabed Metal Mining – No Oil Allowed!
Published Date: 2/24/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Department of the Interior is updating rules for mining minerals like metals on the Outer Continental Shelf, but not oil, gas, or sulfur. These changes make the process clearer and easier for companies looking to explore and lease these minerals. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until April 27, 2026, to comment—so don’t miss out!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Streamlining to speed critical-minerals access
The Department says this regulatory action implements Executive Order 14285 and proposes streamlining BOEM regulations for prospecting, leasing, and operations to help the U.S. more quickly access seabed critical minerals such as nickel, cobalt, copper, manganese, titanium, and rare earth elements.
Faster lease-sale decision deadline
If you submit an unsolicited request for an Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) lease sale, BOEM will decide within 28 days instead of the prior 45-day timeframe. This change appears in the proposed revision to 30 CFR 581.11(b).
Remove environmental-monitoring text
The proposal removes 30 CFR 580.29 (which said BOEM "will evaluate" environmental effects) and 30 CFR 580.30 (which listed activities that would not require environmental analysis). BOEM states it will continue to evaluate environmental implications of permit applications in accordance with applicable law.
Remove procedural state-notification rules
The proposal removes 30 CFR 580.31, which described whom BOEM would notify about environmental issues (including adjacent/affected State governors). BOEM says the provision is purely procedural, duplicates other statutes, and that deletion does not change substantive statutory requirements or a State's ability to participate under CZMA or NEPA.
Remove redundant legal cross-references
BOEM proposes removing several redundant provisions (e.g., 30 CFR 580.33, 580.34, 581.5, 581.9, 582.7, 582.50) that the preamble describes as cross-references or summaries of statute. BOEM states the statutory appeals and other authorities remain in effect (e.g., appeals covered in 30 CFR part 590).
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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