Guam Governor Leon Guerrero: Deep Sea Mining Revenue Sharing “An Insult” to Pacific Islanders
Hagåtña, Guam — Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero is calling for revenue sharing equality with mainland coastal states as federal plans advance for deep sea mining in Marianas waters, warning that a voluntary one percent profit commitment from mining companies is “an insult” to Pacific territories.
OP-ED: When 60 Days Is “Enough,” You’ve Already Decided We Don’t Matter
The recent Grist article, “What changed for deep-sea mining in 2025? Everything,” makes one thing unmistakably clear: deep-sea mining is not advancing because the science is settled or because communities consent — it is advancing because power has decided it will.
Impossible Metals CEO Oliver Gunasekara Explains Deep Sea Mining Technology in Exclusive Interview
SAIPAN – The CEO of Impossible Metals addressed Northern Marianas community concerns about deep sea mining in an exclusive live interview on NMI News Service Thursday morning, following the regularly scheduled Good Morning Marianas broadcast. Oliver Gunasekara explained how his company’s robotic technology differs from traditional mining methods and outlined a timeline that stretches at least five years before any operations could begin.
Guam Lt. Governor Tenorio presses Guam priorities in Washington: BEAD, hospital, RECA, deep-sea mining
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Guam Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio met with multiple members of Congress and senior staff during a recent trip to Washington to press Guam priorities that included military-related initiatives, broadband funding flexibility, health infrastructure, and concerns tied to deep-sea mining and the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act.
Apatang, Guam Gov. Leon Guerrero ask BOEM to visit CNMI and Guam for in-person outreach on deep sea mining
SAIPAN — Governor David M. Apatang and Guam Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero sent a joint letter to Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Acting Director Matthew Giacona requesting an in-person BOEM outreach visit to both the CNMI and Guam regarding docket BOEM-2025-0351.
Apatang, Mendiola urge CNMI public comments on BOEM seabed mineral leasing RFI; town hall Dec. 23
SAIPAN — As the community continues to comprehend the challenges, opportunities, and complexities surrounding the recent prospect of deep sea mining approximately 130 miles east of the Marianas and 10,000-feet below the ocean’s surface, Governor David M. Apatang and Lt. Govervnor Dennis C. Mendiola are encouraging the public to participate in the federal comment process for a Bureau of Ocean Energy Management request for information and interest tied to offshore minerals.
Leon Guerrero: Governor’s Office advocacy prompts BOEM to extend CNMI deep-sea mining comment deadline
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.
Friends of the Mariana Trench say deep-sea mining comment period disrespects Marianas communities
SAIPAN — The Friends of the Mariana Trench are criticizing the federal government’s handling of public input on a proposal to open waters off the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to potential deep-sea mining, calling the current comment schedule “rushed” and “disrespectful” to island communities.
BOEM extends public comment period on CNMI offshore critical minerals RFI to January 12
SAIPAN — Following calls for more time to gather data and prepare a response from elected and appointed officials throughout the Marianas, the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has extended the public comment period on its Request for Information and Interest (RFI) for potential seabed critical minerals leasing offshore the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Ralph DLG Torres formally declares intent to run for CNMI governor under Republican banner
SAIPAN — Former CNMI Governor Ralph Deleon Guerrero Torres has formally notified the CNMI Republican Party that he intends to seek the GOP nomination for governor in the next gubernatorial election, citing the territory’s economic troubles and growing anxiety among retirees and government workers.
