{"id":861472,"date":"2026-08-17T15:50:09","date_gmt":"2026-08-17T15:50:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/861472\/"},"modified":"2026-08-17T15:50:09","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T15:50:09","slug":"mma-advances-potential-mineral-lease-sale-off-northern-mariana-islands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/861472\/","title":{"rendered":"MMA advances potential mineral lease sale off Northern Mariana Islands"},"content":{"rendered":"

August 17, 2026<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/a> \"\" Polymetallic nodules found on the seafloor contain critical minerals that could support U.S. supply chains. NOAA photo. <\/p>\n

The Marine Minerals Administration (MMA) has published a proposed leasing notice for a potential mineral lease sale in federal waters off the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.<\/p>\n

The notice outlines the proposed terms and conditions of a potential sale, including the offshore blocks under consideration, information for prospective lessees and proposed lease stipulations.<\/p>\n

MMA also completed an environmental assessment examining the potential effects of issuing commercial mineral leases in federal waters near the Northern Mariana Islands.<\/p>\n

\u201cAmerica\u2019s national security and economic vitality depend on reliable access to a secure critical minerals supply chain,\u201d acting MMA director Matt Giacona said. \u201cThe value of critical minerals remains a strategic asset, and MMA\u2019s efforts lay the foundation for responsible development of the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf by combining science-based analysis, rigorous environmental review and a transparent leasing process.\u201d<\/p>\n

The proposed leasing notice and environmental assessment are available on MMA\u2019s website. A notice of availability is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on Aug. 18.<\/p>\n

MMA said publication of the proposed notice does not guarantee that a lease sale will take place or that exploration or mineral collection will occur. If the agency proceeds with a sale, it will publish a final leasing notice in the Federal Register at least 30 days before the sale date.<\/p>\n

\n

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