Image for representation purposes only The U.S. Marine Minerals Administration (MMA) has released a Proposed Leasing Notice for a proposed mineral lease sale in federal waters off American Samoa as the Trump administration seeks to increase domestic supplies of minerals used in energy, defence and manufacturing. The notice sets out the proposed terms and conditions for the sale but does not mean a lease sale will definitely take place or that any exploration or mineral collection activities will follow. The proposal is part of the administration’s effort to strengthen U.S. critical mineral supply chains. Acting MMA Director Matt Giacona said critical minerals have become strategically important as global competition grows, adding that China’s dominance in the supply of many of these materials poses risks to U.S. energy, defence and manufacturing industries. “The Proposed Leasing Notice provides information on proposed sale terms and conditions so industry and other interested parties can engage with greater certainty,” Giacona said. He added that any future lessee would be required to make every reasonable effort to hire American Samoans, use businesses in American Samoa and make use of the Port of Pago Pago. The Proposed Leasing Notice, supporting documents and an Environmental Assessment have been published on the MMA’s website. A Notice of Availability will be published in the Federal Register on July 17, 2026. The MMA said issuing the notice does not guarantee that a lease sale will be held. If the agency decides to move ahead, it must complete additional pre-sale steps, including publishing a final Leasing Notice in the Federal Register at least 30 days before any sale. According to the proposal, the lease sale would include blocks under consideration, information for prospective lessees and proposed lease conditions. Stipulations 10, 11 and 13 require the lessee to make every reasonable effort to hire local workers, use businesses