Trump Order Fast-Tracks Deep-Sea Mining Amid Backlash

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to accelerate deep-sea mining for critical minerals in U.S. and international waters, aiming to reduce dependence on China and strengthen U.S. economic and national security interests. The order directs expedited permitting, seabed mapping, and encourages both international and private sector partnerships to access and process minerals such as cobalt, nickel, copper, and rare earths, which are crucial for technology and defense. The administration projects the initiative could add $300 billion to the U.S. GDP and create 100,000 jobs over ten years. The order bypasses ongoing international negotiations and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, to which the U.S. is not a party, complicating global regulatory efforts. Environmental groups, scientists, and several countries warn that rapid mining could cause irreversible harm to marine ecosystems. Meanwhile, companies like The Metals Company are already seeking permits to begin commercial deep-sea mining under the new U.S. framework.