The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is taking early steps that could open 45.7 million hectares of Alaska waters to seabed mining, raising cultural and environmental concerns in a region home to 200+ Alaska Native nations.

Interest from companies is unclear, and the industry remains slowed by regulatory gaps and impact fears.

by Anita Hofschneider
https://news.mongabay.com/2026/02/indigenous-concerns-surface-as-u-s-agency-considers-seabed-mining-in-alaskan-waters/

#news #criticalminerals #deepsea #mining #environment #indigenous peoples