Impossible Metals Seeks First-Ever U.S. Deep-Sea Mining Lease

Impossible Metals

Autonomous Mining Robots Target Critical Minerals in American Samoa

Impossible Metals has applied for a deep-sea mining lease through the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). The company seeks access to critical minerals off the coast of American Samoa, including nickel, cobalt, copper, and rare earth elements. This marks a pivotal step, as BOEM has never issued a commercial deep-sea lease in U.S. history.

The firm plans to deploy autonomous underwater robots to explore polymetallic nodule fields within the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). This zone stretches from 3 to 200 nautical miles off U.S. shores and falls under the 1953 Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.

U.S. Government Pushes to Accelerate Ocean Mining Permits

The application follows a February directive from the U.S. Interior Secretary to streamline critical mineral leasing on the OCS. BOEM had previously denied a similar request in 2024, citing regulatory limitations and environmental concerns. However, rising demand for battery metals and clean energy materials is now pushing agencies to reconsider.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Congressional Research Service confirms that no commercial deep-sea lease has ever been granted. Therefore, Impossible Metals application could set a precedent for future ocean mining projects.

The Metalnomist Commentary

If approved, Impossible Metals could open the floodgates for U.S. offshore critical mineral extraction. This application tests the regulatory readiness of BOEM in a global race for seabed resources.