“If we don’t put forward our views on this issue, which directly impacts our culture, our food system, and our economy, we may lose the opportunity to shape our own future.”
— Sheila Jack Babauta, Friends of the Mariana Trench
THE Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands stands at a critical crossroads. With the tourism industry dwindling and government budgets facing significant deficits, many are searching for a “light at the end of the tunnel.” A new federal initiative to explore deep-sea mining in the waters surrounding the Marianas could represent that hope — provided the community is informed, engaged, and prepared to participate.
The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has issued a Request for Information to evaluate the mineral potential in the Exclusive Economic Zone east of the Mariana Trench. This is not a permit to mine, but a crucial data-gathering step to determine whether the region can support a new industry.
The “mine” is not a traditional hole in the ground. Instead, it targets two specific types of resources:
• Polymetallic nodules: potato-sized rocks scattered across the abyssal plain.
• Ferromanganese crusts: mineral-rich layers that grow on the sides of underwater seamounts.
Beyond the local economy, this project connects the Marianas to the global future. Historical evidence shows that deep-sea exploration provides more than just metal — it also yields life-saving technology.
The nodules are rich in cobalt, nickel, and manganese — the “building blocks” of electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage. Enzymes from deep-sea organisms have historically been used to develop PCR tests, vital during the Covid-19 pandemic, and are currently being researched for cancer treatments.
Proponents argue that harvesting these minerals from the seafloor avoids the deforestation and human rights issues often associated with land-based mining in other countries.
Given the current economic challenges — including reduced work hours for public employees and a shrinking population — the potential benefits of a successful mining industry are substantial. Establishing processing facilities in Saipan or Tinian could create hundreds of high-paying technical jobs. Using local ports for the specialized ships required for the operation would generate significant maritime revenue. Mining companies often invest in local telecommunications, power, and water infrastructure to support their operations.
While current law requires an act of Congress for revenue sharing, local leaders should advocate for a model in which a percentage of every ton of ore mined stays in the CNMI.
National security is another key factor driving momentum behind this project. The U.S. is heavily dependent on foreign nations for critical minerals. By mining in the Marianas, the U.S. secures its own supply chain for defense technology and energy. This high-level federal interest means significant funding and political will exist to see the project succeed — resources that the CNMI can leverage to negotiate better terms for its people.
Transitioning from a tourism-only economy to a diversified mining and tech hub is a promising vision — but it requires territorial equality. The CNMI does not automatically receive royalties from federal waters. To ensure this project alleviates economic challenges rather than simply extracting resources, we must demand a “fair share” through public comments. The BOEM has extended the comment period to Jan. 12, 2026. This is our chance to insist on local hiring, environmental protections for fisheries, and guaranteed revenue sharing.
Our goal is to ensure the community is informed and ready to participate. Don’t just watch from the sidelines — make your voice heard.
NOEL M. SORIA
Gualo Rai, Saipan
