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Remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer traverses over an extensive field of ferromanganese nodules that formed the bulk of the hard seafloor substrate for much of Dive 17 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. Credit: NOAA.
Deep seabed mining is the exploration and extraction of mineral resources from the ocean floor. The deep sea is home to valuable resources like manganese, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements. Critical minerals are used in everything from defense systems and batteries to smartphones and medical devices. Access to these minerals is a key factor in the health and resilience of U.S. supply chains.
Before any deep seabed mining activity can begin, U.S. companies must obtain appropriate licenses and permits. The Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA) charged NOAA with the responsibility for issuing to U.S. companies licenses for exploration and permits for commercial recovery of manganese nodules from the deep seabed in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
For areas within the U.S. exclusive economic zone, the primary statutory and regulatory authority for offshore mining activities is the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, which is administered by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, within the Department of the Interior.
Although deep seabed mining in international waters is regulated by the International Seabed Authority (ISA), which was established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as a non-party to UNCLOS, the U.S. is not legally bound to follow ISA rules and restrictions and may issue licenses and permits to U.S. companies in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
On April 24, 2025, the President signed an Executive Order establishing policies to advance U.S. leadership in seabed mineral exploration and mining responsibly with a focus on both resource extraction and environmental conservation.
For DSHMRA applications regarding exploration licenses or commercial recovery permits by U.S.-based companies, NOAA’s National Ocean Service provides the review and processing of these applications, with final approval by the NOAA Administrator.
NOAA is committed to the expeditious review of DSHMRA applications for exploration licenses and commercial recovery permits and provides the necessary resources for license and permit reviews. As described in DSHMRA and its implementing regulations, there are multiple steps before an exploration license or commercial recovery permit is issued. DSHMRA provides an opportunity for public comment at certain points in the regulatory process. NOAA will announce opportunities for public comments through the Federal Register Notice process.
Exploration License: Authorizes a U.S. company to conduct surveys, research and test mining of hard mineral resources in specified areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Commercial Recovery Permit: Authorizes an eligible U.S. company to conduct recovery of hard mineral resources in specified areas beyond national jurisdiction for marketing or commercial purposes.
Existing DSHMRA Exploration Licenses
Lockheed Martin Corporation holds two exploration licenses (USA-1 and USA-4) issued in 1984
Existing DSHMRA Commercial Recovery Permits
N/A
Full Compliance Applications
When available, information about full compliance applications will be added.
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