The Trump administration has moved to streamline the approval process for companies seeking to extract minerals from the deep seabed in international waters, signaling a more aggressive approach to tapping undersea resources
The initiative aims to reduce regulatory delays and encourage private-sector investment in deep-sea mining, an industry viewed by supporters as critical for securing minerals used in advanced technologies and clean energy systems.
Administration officials argue that accelerating permits could strengthen U.S. competitiveness and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains for strategic materials such as cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements. By easing procedural hurdles, the government hopes to position American firms at the forefront of a largely undeveloped global industry.
The move has drawn criticism from environmental groups and some scientists, who warn that mining the ocean floor could cause irreversible damage to fragile marine ecosystems. Critics also raise concerns about proceeding ahead of comprehensive international rules governing deep-sea mining, saying the environmental risks are not yet fully understood.
As interest in seabed resources grows worldwide, the administration’s decision underscores a broader debate between economic development and environmental protection in one of the planet’s least explored regions.