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American Samoa banned deep-sea mining in its territorial waters. Local residents decided the environmental risk was too high.

So the U.S. government is auctioning off the ocean right next to them.

The proposed lease area covers 33 million acres. It is larger than Pennsylvania. Because it sits in the U.S. exclusive economic zone, the federal government can authorize digging without approval from local leaders or international regulators.

Companies want what is at the bottom. The sea floor here is covered in polymetallic nodules packed with cobalt, copper, and nickel. These are the exact minerals required for electric vehicle batteries and advanced military equipment. The administration argues that harvesting them domestically breaks reliance on Chinese supply chains.

Over 40 countries are currently calling for a ban on deep-sea mining. Scientists warn that massive underwater sediment plumes will wipe out ecosystems operating thousands of feet below the surface.

The initial leases are for surveying. Commercial extraction comes next.