NOAA Notice: Deep Seabed Mining Exploration License Applications and Public Comment Period

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has formally received two separate applications for deep seabed mining exploration licenses under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA). The applicants are American Metal Resources, LLC (AMR) and SeaX, Inc., both of which have submitted applications deemed fully compliant with the Act's information requirements and implementing regulations. As part of the mandatory review process under DSHMRA, NOAA will conduct one virtual public hearing for each application — one for AMR and one for SeaX — to allow public participation in the licensing decision. Written comments from the public will also be accepted electronically during a designated comment period. This notice signals a significant regulatory step in the potential commercial exploitation of deep seabed mineral resources in areas under U.S. jurisdiction. The DSHMRA governs the exploration and commercial recovery of hard mineral resources from the deep seabed, and NOAA is the lead federal agency responsible for licensing and oversight. Stakeholders including environmental organizations, the maritime industry, scientific researchers, and fishing communities are encouraged to participate in the public hearings and submit comments, as exploration activities could have broad implications for marine ecosystems and international seabed governance.

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