Donald Trump recently signed an executive order aimed at enhancing the deep-sea mining industry in the United States. The order is designed to increase production of nickel, copper, and other critical minerals crucial to various sectors of the economy. By focusing on mining in US waters, the order is a strategic move to reduce China’s dominant control over critical minerals.

The Pacific Ocean and other regions are believed to contain substantial reserves of polymetallic nodules rich in essential minerals for electric vehicles and electronics. It is estimated that over 1 billion metric tons of these nodules, containing manganese, nickel, and copper, are present in US waters. Extracting these resources could potentially boost the US GDP by $300 billion over a decade and create around 100,000 jobs.

The executive order directs the administration to streamline the mining permit process under the Deep Seabed Hard Minerals Resource Act of 1980 and establish a framework for issuing permits along the US Outer Continental Shelf. Additionally, it calls for a report detailing areas for potential seabed exploration and collaboration with allies to explore resource-sharing opportunities in international waters.

While supporters argue that deep-sea mining could reduce the need for land-based mining operations, environmental groups are concerned about irreversible biodiversity loss. Companies like Impossible Metals are already seeking access to mineral deposits in US waters, while the International Seabed Authority has been working on standards for deep-sea mining in international waters.

With the US facing dwindling access to critical minerals due to restrictions imposed by China, the executive order is part of a broader effort to strengthen domestic mining capabilities. By fast-tracking permitting processes and approving new mining projects, the administration aims to secure a stable supply of critical minerals for various industries.