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.

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