US President Donald Trump has signed a controversial executive order aimed at accelerating deep-sea mining in US and international waters. The move seeks to expand America’s access to critical minerals vital for aerospace, green technology and healthcare industries. China condemned the order, stating it violates international law and bypasses ongoing UN negotiations intended to establish a global framework for seabed resource sharing. Environmental groups have also raised alarms over the potential for widespread and irreversible damage to deep-sea ecosystems.
The executive order calls for the fast-tracking of exploration licences and recovery permits, positioning the US to challenge China’s dominance in critical mineral production. The administration estimates that deep-sea mining could boost the US GDP by $300 billion over ten years and create around 100,000 jobs. The decision underscores the intensifying competition driven by raw material diplomacy, as countries race to secure access to vital resources. Companies like The Metals Company are already in discussions with US authorities, with ambitions to commence mining operations by the end of the year.
