- The Trump administration is drafting an executive order to expedite deep-sea mining permits in international waters, potentially bypassing the International Seabed Authority (ISA).
- The move aligns with U.S. efforts to secure critical minerals for national security and reduce foreign reliance, despite environmental concerns.
- If implemented, commercial operations could begin as early as 2025, though economic viability remains uncertain.
A Push for Mineral Independence
The White House is preparing an executive order that would fast-track permitting for deep-sea mining operations in international waters, according to people familiar with the matter. The order would direct federal agencies to prioritize approvals, potentially circumventing the ISA, the UN-mandated regulator for seabed mineral extraction.
This marks a sharp departure from traditional multilateral approaches to ocean mining. The U.S. has never ratified the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, leaving its legal standing to grant independent licenses unclear. Administration officials argue the move is necessary to secure access to battery metals like cobalt and nickel, crucial for electric vehicles and defense technologies.
Regulatory and Environmental Tensions
Environmental groups and some allied governments have raised alarms, warning that accelerated mining could damage fragile marine ecosystems. The ISA has been developing mining regulations with a target completion date of 2023, but the U.S. order could undermine those efforts.
Meanwhile, companies like The Metals Company (TMC) are advancing exploratory work, betting on future commercial extraction. "This isn’t just about economics—it’s about strategic positioning," said one industry executive, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of ongoing negotiations.
Market reaction has been muted so far, with deep-sea mining still seen as a high-risk, long-term play. But if the order proceeds, it could trigger a rush of investment—and legal challenges.