SAIPAN — The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has extended the public comment deadline on a proposal to lease waters near the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for deep-sea mining by an additional 30 days, setting a new deadline of Jan. 12, 2026.
In a statement released by Guam’s Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration, the extension followed advocacy efforts and direct engagement by Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio during a recent federal mission to Washington, D.C., but stated the added time “falls short” of what island communities need for a thorough review.
Governor Lou Leon Guerrero said island communities such as Guam and the CNMI need a process that reflects the complexity of deep-sea mining issues and allows time to consult residents, scientists, and cultural leaders.
The administration said Tenorio raised Guam’s concerns in meetings with federal leaders, including Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment Dale Marks; Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Energy, Installations, and Environment Bob Thompson; Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular and International Affairs William Hague; Deputy Assistant Secretary Angel Demapan; and Congresswoman Kim King-Hinds.
BOEM issued a Request for Information on November 12, regarding commercial leasing for Outer Continental Shelf minerals offshore the CNMI, which the release described as the first step in a process that could lead to leasing for mineral collection. The proposed target area is located east of the Marianas Trench National Marine Monument and extends into waters between Rota and Guam.
BOEM initially provided a 30-day public comment period and that Governor Leon Guerrero and CNMI Governor David Apatang later submitted a joint request for a 120-day extension, citing the need for scientific analysis, technical review, and meaningful community engagement. BOEM ultimately granted only a 30-day extension.
