Impossible Metals, a San Jose, California-based deep-sea mining company, announced on April 15, 2025, that it has submitted a request to the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to initiate a leasing process for exploration and potential mining of critical minerals in federal waters off American Samoa. The request, the first under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of 1953, targets polymetallic nodules rich in nickel, cobalt, copper, manganese, and rare earth elements, essential for electric vehicle batteries and clean energy technologies. The company’s autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), equipped with AI, robotics, and buoyancy engines, selectively harvest nodules while hovering above the seabed to minimize environmental impact, unlike traditional methods that disturb marine habitats. BOEM will decide by May 23, 2025, whether to launch a competitive lease auction, the first since 1991. Impossible Metals, a B Corp backed by Y Combinator, plans to create 300 direct jobs and train 500 local technicians in subsea robotics by 2027, partnering with American Samoa Community College. Despite support from local leaders like John Wasko of the American Samoa Economic Development Council, the move faces opposition from Greenpeace and Pacific communities, citing a July 2024 American Samoa moratorium on deep-sea mining due to risks to tuna fisheries and ecosystems.

For the precision machining industry, Impossible Metals’ AUV technology drives demand for robotic fabrication to produce advanced mining equipment. The Eureka II AUV’s components, such as AI-guided manipulators and corrosion-resistant frames, require precision-machined parts crafted with 5-axis CNC milling and laser cutting to achieve sub-millimeter tolerances for deep-sea durability. Robotic fabrication integrates these parts into automated systems, using precision welding and assembly to ensure reliability at depths of one mile. The project’s scale, targeting a $50 billion critical minerals market, pushes machine shops to adopt smart manufacturing techniques, including real-time sensor integration and additive manufacturing for rapid prototyping. This initiative creates opportunities for suppliers in California and American Samoa, where manufacturing could grow 5% by 2027, fostering innovation in high-strength composites and AI-driven production for sustainable resource extraction.

Source:

Impossible Metals Press Release, April 15, 2025

Source:

Investor's Business Daily

Social Media Buzz (powered by X):

X is polarized over Impossible Metals’ American Samoa lease bid, with posts on April 27, 2025, showing both support and concern. Some hailed the 300 jobs and “green mining tech,” with one user noting “it’s a step toward mineral independence.” Others, echoing Greenpeace, called it “reckless,” citing risks to Pacific ecosystems. The debate reflects tension between economic gains and environmental fears.

What is the Robotic Fabrication?

This is one of many key terms of our broad Machine Nation Essential Modern Precision Industries Guidebook (MPIG). Click here to get a copy straight to your inbox.

Why do we think that sustainability should be a core focus of your business?

At Machine Nation, we empower machine shops with cutting-edge insights, solutions, and technology to drive efficiency, precision, and profitability. From industry news to expert-driven strategies, we help manufacturers stay ahead in an evolving landscape. Partner with us to optimize your operations and shape the future of precision machining.

Related Tags:

#ImpossibleMetals #DeepSeaMining #RoboticFabrication #CriticalMinerals #AmericanSamoa #PrecisionManufacturing