The White House is drafting an executive order to expedite deep-sea mining in international waters, allowing companies to bypass a UN-backed regulatory process and seek permits directly through the U.S. Department of Commerce, according to sources familiar with the plan. The move, part of President Donald Trump’s push to secure critical minerals like nickel and copper, would sidestep the International Seabed Authority (ISA)—a UN body the U.S. never ratified—and prioritize domestic control over ocean floor resources.
Key Details:
Bypassing the ISA: The order would direct miners to apply under NOAA’s existing framework, circumventing the ISA’s stalled efforts to finalize global mining standards amid environmental disputes.
Strategic Minerals Race: The policy aims to reduce reliance on China, which dominates critical mineral supply chains, and follows Trump’s recent moves to boost mining in Greenland, Ukraine, and domestically via emergency powers.
Industry Backing: Companies like Canada’s The Metals Co (backed by Glencore) are pushing for U.S. permits, claiming the ISA is hostile to commercial interests.
Controversies & Risks:
Environmental Concerns: Scientists and NGOs warn deep-sea mining could irreparably harm marine ecosystems. The ISA has yet to resolve debates over noise, sediment plumes, and biodiversity impacts.
Global Tensions: The U.S. risks clashes with nations like Norway, Japan, and China, which are advancing seabed projects under ISA or national oversight.
NOAA Capacity: Questions linger about staffing and expertise at NOAA, which has faced cuts under Trump’s efficiency drives.
Broader Context:
The order aligns with Trump’s “America First” agenda, including recent pauses on WTO funding and partnerships with Jamaica on seabed projects. It also underscores growing competition for minerals vital to defense, renewables, and tech sectors.