The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is seeking public and industry input on potential mineral leasing areas on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf offshore Virginia, marking an early step in evaluating offshore mineral development opportunities in the region.
BOEM announced June 22 that it will issue a Request for Information and Interest to gather feedback on potential leasing areas, resource types, and considerations related to future mineral development. The agency emphasized that the request does not represent a decision to hold a lease sale.
According to BOEM, the effort is intended to assess industry interest and collect information on offshore mineral resources that could support domestic supply chains tied to manufacturing, defense, and emerging technologies.
“Virginia’s offshore mineral resources present a pathway to lessen foreign dependence and reinforce America’s strategic position by establishing secure domestic supply chains,” said BOEM Acting Director Matt Giacona. “This request is designed to identify locations where responsible marine minerals development can advance innovation, support production growth, and sustain future progress.”
BOEM said exploration for offshore critical minerals differs significantly from large-scale offshore energy development. Early-stage exploration activities are expected to be temporary and would not involve permanent structures. The agency noted that these activities are more comparable to offshore surveys conducted for beach nourishment projects.
The RFI covers an area of the Outer Continental Shelf offshore Virginia. BOEM is seeking input from industry stakeholders, state and local governments, Tribal nations, and the public on a range of issues, including mineral resource potential, environmental considerations, and possible interactions with existing ocean uses such as commercial fishing, vessel traffic, and offshore energy operations.
For the maritime sector, potential mineral leasing activity offshore Virginia could introduce additional considerations related to vessel routing, port activity, survey operations, and coexistence with existing commercial marine traffic.
The RFI will be published in the Federal Register on June 23, opening a 30-day public comment period through July 23. Stakeholders may submit comments through regulations.gov. by searching docket number BOEM-2026-0100.
Companies interested in specific offshore lease blocks may submit information directly to BOEM’s Office of Strategic Resources, Marine Minerals Division.
If BOEM determines there is sufficient interest to move forward, the agency would begin its formal minerals leasing process under existing federal regulations. That process includes identifying potential lease areas, issuing a Proposed Leasing Notice at least 60 days before any Final Leasing Notice, and publishing a Final Leasing Notice at least 30 days before a lease sale.
Any future lease sale would be conducted through a competitive bidding process, the agency said.
