The United States government is taking its first formal step toward possible seafloor mining off the coast of Alaska. A federal agency under the Interior Department announced it will soon seek public and industry input on mineral exploration in offshore waters.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management said it plans to release a call for information related to future mineral lease sales in federal waters near Alaska. This move will open a 30-day public comment period. During that time, companies and other groups can share their interest and views on offshore mineral development.
Federal officials say the effort is meant to assess whether offshore mining could support jobs, investment, and supply chains. The agency described the action as an early step, not a final decision. It aims to understand which areas may hold economic value and whether companies are willing to pursue development.
The Alaska seafloor mining plan aligns with a broader push by the current administration to strengthen domestic access to critical minerals. These minerals are used in manufacturing, defense systems, and new technologies such as batteries and renewable energy equipment. Officials argue that relying more on domestic sources could reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
According to the agency, there has never been a mineral lease sale in Alaska’s Outer Continental Shelf. While offshore oil and gas leasing has a long history, mineral mining beneath the seabed remains untested in this region.
Some areas of Alaska’s offshore waters are shallow. Others reach depths that meet the international definition of deep-sea mining. That definition starts at 200 meters below the surface. Mining at such depths raises concerns because deep ocean ecosystems are slow to recover from disturbance.
Alaska does have limited experience with offshore mining in state waters. Near the Nome region, small-scale gold mining has taken place for years. That activity uses suction dredging, a process that pulls sediment from the seabed and separates gold from sand and gravel. The state manages these operations, not the federal government.
The Nome offshore mining activity became widely known through a television program. Despite its visibility, the practice remains controversial. Many residents and fishing groups oppose plans to expand underwater mining in the area. Last year, state officials denied a permit request for a proposed expansion, citing environmental and public concerns.
The announcement of possible mining in federal waters triggered strong reactions from environmental groups. Critics say the Alaska seafloor mining plan treats the ocean as an industrial zone rather than a living ecosystem. They warn that disturbing the seabed could damage habitats that support marine life and coastal communities.
Environmental advocates argue that mining could harm species such as seals, walruses, crab, and fish that are central to Alaska’s fisheries. These fisheries support local food systems, cultural traditions, and regional economies. Damage to the ocean floor could ripple through the entire marine food chain.
Some groups also raised concerns about protected habitats. They say many of the areas that could be considered for mining are already recognized for their ecological importance. Disturbing these zones could weaken conservation efforts built over decades.
There are also global implications. Critics warn that allowing deep-sea mining in Arctic waters could encourage other nations to pursue similar projects. This could lead to a rush to exploit one of the planet’s least disturbed marine regions. Scientists stress that much of the deep ocean remains poorly understood.
The agency has explored similar ideas in other regions. Last year, it requested public input on possible deep-sea mining near American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands. Those comment periods have ended, and responses showed strong public opposition. Tens of thousands of comments argued that deep-sea mining could cause lasting harm.
Despite opposition, some companies support offshore mining. They say the United States sits on vast mineral resources that could support industry for decades. Supporters argue that developing these resources could help the country compete with rivals that are expanding control over global mineral supplies.
For now, the Alaska seafloor mining plan remains in its early stages. The upcoming comment period will shape what happens next. The decision will likely balance economic goals against environmental risks, as debate continues over how to manage the ocean floor responsibly.
