Deep Sea Minerals cheers NOAA mapping near Samoa

Executive Summary

• Deep Sea Minerals Corp. publicly welcomes and supports the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) initiative to conduct deep-sea mapping and characterization in federal waters offshore American Samoa.
• The company views this government-led scientific effort as a critical step toward establishing the geological and environmental data necessary for future responsible subsea mineral exploration.
• The initiative aligns with broader U.S. strategic goals to secure domestic sources of critical minerals (such as nickel, cobalt, and rare-earth elements) for defense, energy transition, and technology supply chains.

Key Details

• NOAA Initiative Scope: The NOAA program involves high-resolution seabed mapping, geological characterization, and environmental baseline data collection across a substantial area of deep-ocean territory offshore American Samoa.
• Strategic Context: The mapping effort is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce's offshore critical minerals agenda and follows Executive Branch actions emphasizing the strategic importance of securing long-term access to critical minerals for national defense, advanced manufacturing, and energy transition.
• Company Stance: CEO James Deckelman stated that high-quality geological data and environmental baselines are "essential prerequisites for any credible, long-term development of deep-sea mineral resources."
• Target Minerals: The initiative focuses on deep-sea mineral systems, including polymetallic nodules and crustal deposits, which contain metals integral to defense, aerospace, energy storage, and AI supply chains (specifically nickel, cobalt, copper, manganese, and rare-earth elements).
• Company Operations: Deep Sea Minerals is currently in early-stage engagement with selected governments and regulatory bodies in the Pacific Ocean region to assess potential pathways for future exploration initiatives, subject to international and national frameworks.

Notable Quotes

• "We view NOAA's deep-sea mapping program as a meaningful and necessary step in building the scientific and environmental foundation required for responsible subsea mineral exploration. High-quality geological data and environmental baselines are essential prerequisites for any credible, long-term development of deep-sea mineral resources." — James Deckelman, Chief Executive Officer