NOAA extends public comment period on deep seabed mining license applications

NOAA has extended the public comment period for two deep seabed mining exploration license applications, moving the deadline to May 26, 2026.

The agency said the change was needed after a regulations.gov e-Portal issue left the application materials unavailable for public comment for one business day. NOAA said the extension ensures the public still has the full 60 days required under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act.

The applications were submitted by American Metal Resources, LLC and SeaX, Inc. NOAA’s updated program page now reflects the new deadline and keeps the virtual public hearings on the calendar for April 21 and April 22.

The extension notice is an administrative update rather than a decision on the merits of the applications. NOAA’s action only lengthens the public comment window so people can review the filings and submit feedback.

The agency’s deep seabed mining page has also been updated to show the original March 23 notice, the revised May 26 deadline and the hearing dates.

This story matters because deep seabed mining proposals are subject to a formal public process, and NOAA said the extension was necessary to preserve that process after the brief online disruption.