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President Donald Trump signed an executive order in the Oval Office on Thursday to “unleash” America’s offshored critical minerals and resources.
The order allows seafloor mining for nickel, cobalt, copper, manganese, titanium and rare earth elements.
“Vast offshore seabed areas hold critical minerals and energy resources. These resources are key to strengthening our economy, securing our energy future, and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers for critical minerals,” Trump’s order stated.
The order prioritizes the rapid advancement of domestic capabilities in these areas, positioning the U.S. as a global leader in seabed mineral resource development, both within national waters and in international jurisdictions. A key objective is to establish a robust domestic supply chain for critical minerals derived from the seabed, thereby reducing reliance on foreign sources and enhancing national security.
To support this effort, the Secretary of Commerce is directed to streamline the review and issuance of exploration and commercial recovery permits under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act. In coordination with the Secretaries of the Interior and Energy, the Secretary of Commerce must also report on private sector interest and investment opportunities in seabed exploration, mining, and processing, both onshore and via U.S.-flagged vessels.
The order also instructs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a permit review and licensing process for the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, and to identify critical minerals obtainable from seabed sources that serve defense, infrastructure and energy needs in collaboration with the Departments of Energy and Defense. It also promotes strategic engagement with international allies regarding international seabed resources.
These initiatives are part of a broader effort by President Trump to boost the nation’s critical mineral independence. Previous actions include launching a Section 232 investigation into the security risks associated with essential mineral imports and advancing the Ambler Access Project in Alaska to facilitate the mining of crucial materials, such as copper and zinc.
A White House fact sheet noted, “Trump is accelerating seabed mineral exploration and development to unlock vast offshore resources for America’s economic and strategic advantage.”