Trump's Executive Order on Deep-Sea Mining Stirs Controversy

In a move to enhance U.S. access to essential minerals, Trump's order aims to establish America as a leading nation in seabed mineral exploration, despite backlash from environmental groups and international bodies.

Former President Donald Trump has taken steps to intensify deep-sea mining efforts within U.S. and international waters through a newly signed executive order. The controversial decision, announced on Thursday, aligns with the U.S. government's goal to secure critical minerals essential for industries such as aerospace, green technology, and healthcare. The deeper regions of the ocean are known to contain substantial deposits of polymetallic nodules, rich in vital resources like cobalt and rare earth elements.

However, numerous countries and environmental organizations have raised concerns, arguing that further research is necessary before initiating deep-sea mining in international waters. The executive order aims to position the United States as a "global leader in responsible seabed mineral exploration," but critics note it undermines ongoing UN negotiations around maritime mining rights. Chinese officials have condemned the U.S. move, stating that it contravenes international law and threatens global interests, especially as China leads in the production of rare metals.

In a bid to counter China's dominance in resource extraction, U.S. officials have emphasized the need for accelerated processing of exploration licenses and mining permits in both national and international waters. The administration estimates that this venture could significantly boost the U.S. economy, projecting an influx of $300 billion over the next decade and the creation of 100,000 jobs.

Opponents, including environmentalists and scientists, have voiced serious concerns regarding the ecological impact of deep-sea mining. Jeff Watters from the Ocean Conservancy warned that the repercussions of such activities would not be limited to the ocean floor, but would extend throughout the water column, adversely affecting myriad marine life.

While it remains uncertain how swiftly deep-sea mining operations can commence, companies like The Metals Company (TMC) have already begun submitting applications for licenses to operate in open ocean territories. TMC's CEO, Gerard Barron, has expressed ambitions to start mining by the end of this year, challenging environmental claims by arguing that deep-sea areas are sparsely populated with life, thereby minimizing potential ecological disruption.