Title: Trump Accelerates Deep-Sea Mining Despite International Backlash
President Donald Trump wants to speed up applications for deep-sea mining to make the United States a leader in the industry. An executive order was issued on Thursday to fast-track the process.
Trump believes that creating a domestic supply chain for critical minerals from the seabed will help the economy and national security. He wants to counter China and ensure that the U.S. has a secure supply chain for defense.
Mining companies are interested in extracting metals like cobalt, manganese, and nickel from the ocean floor for batteries. However, scientists warn that this process could harm the seabed and marine life.
The order aims to boost an industry driven by small Pacific nations like Nauru. However, Indigenous advocates are concerned about the consequences. Solomon Kahoʻohalahala, a Native Hawaiian, criticized the lack of long-term vision in the executive order.
Trump wants the Commerce and Interior Departments to approve seabed mining applications quickly. Mining companies like the Metals Company and Impossible Metals are looking to mine in U.S. waters after facing delays at the United Nations.
Trump’s order also calls for a report on deep-sea mining opportunities and mapping priority areas for extraction. Environmental groups argue that the executive order undermines global efforts to protect the ocean. The Center for Biological Diversity believes that the seafloor should not be exploited for extraction.
