US Expands Push Into Deep-Sea Mining With New Executive Order

The United States has signed a new executive order to accelerate deep-sea mining to secure access to vital minerals like cobalt, nickel, manganese, copper, and iron.

The move seeks to reduce dependence on global suppliers, particularly China, and boost domestic supply for industries like defense, energy, and tech.

The order fast-tracks permits for mining in both US and international waters, using a rarely invoked 1980 law. Supporters say the plan could generate $300 billion and create 100,000 jobs, but environmental groups warn of irreversible harm to deep-sea ecosystems.