President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order to speed up deep-sea mining efforts in US and international waters, aiming to reduce America's reliance on China for key minerals like nickel, copper, and manganese.
These minerals are used in electric cars, smartphones, and other electronics.
In the executive order signed on April 24, Trump stated, "The United States has a core national security and economic interest in maintaining leadership in deep-sea science and technology and seabed mineral resources."
According to USA Today, the decision pushes for faster approval of mining permits under the Deep Seabed Hard Minerals Resource Act of 1980.
Trump's order focuses on two areas: waters off the US coast and international zones that are not owned by any one country.
The administration says these areas hold over a billion metric tons of polymetallic nodules, which could add $300 billion to the US economy and create 100,000 jobs over the next 10 years.
BREAKING
— Greenpeace Aotearoa (@GreenpeaceNZ) April 25, 2025
Trump is defying science and diplomacy (again). 🙃
The US president is bypassing the United Nations to advance his ambitions to launch deep sea mining in U.S. and international waters. pic.twitter.com/L8wdJkB7Zm
Trump's Mining Order Sparks Global Backlash
However, not everyone supports the move. Environmental groups say deep-sea mining could seriously harm the ocean's ecosystems.
Arlo Hemphill of Greenpeace USA responded, "The United States government has no right to unilaterally allow an industry to destroy the common heritage of humankind, and rip up the deep sea for the profit of a few corporations."
Deep-sea mining involves using heavy machines to collect rock-like nodules from the ocean floor.
These nodules are rich in metals and are seen as a possible solution to the growing demand for clean energy technology. But scientists say the long-term effects on marine life are still unknown.
The International Seabed Authority (ISA), a UN-backed group that oversees mining in international waters, has yet to finalize rules for how mining should happen.
Some countries, including Norway and China, are criticizing the US for moving ahead without waiting for global agreements, CNBC said.
Meanwhile, companies like The Metals Company and Impossible Metals are preparing for the boom.
The Metals Company saw its stock jump 40% after Trump signed the order. CEO Gerard Barron said the company is ready to begin operations in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, a mineral-rich area in the Pacific.
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