The White House Considers Executive Order to Fast-Track Deep-Sea Mining

The White House is currently contemplating an executive order that would streamline the permitting process for deep-sea mining in international waters. This order would allow mining companies to bypass the United Nations-backed review process, as reported by sources familiar with the discussions.

If the order is signed, it would signify President Donald Trump’s latest endeavor to access international deposits of critical minerals such as nickel and copper. Recent efforts in Greenland and Ukraine have also been made in this regard. Earlier this month, Trump invoked emergency powers to boost domestic minerals production.

The International Seabed Authority, established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (which the U.S. has not ratified), has been deliberating on standards for deep-sea mining in international waters. However, formalization has been delayed due to unresolved differences regarding acceptable levels of dust, noise, and other environmental factors associated with the practice.

The potential order by Trump would likely emphasize the U.S.’s intention to extract critical minerals from the ocean floor. It may propose that mining companies seek permitting through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s mining code, allowing them to circumvent the ISA.

While discussions are ongoing and details may change before the order is finalized, the move could provide mining companies with a structured permitting process and alleviate concerns about oversight of deep-sea mining activities.

Companies involved in seabed mining argue that the environmental impact of deep-sea mining is relatively minor compared to land-based mining. However, environmental groups have raised concerns about potential risks to marine life and advocate against commencing deep-sea mining operations.

Various countries have expressed interest in developing deep-sea mining industries in their territorial waters, including the Cook Islands, Norway, and Japan. The ISA council recently met in Jamaica to review proposed amendments to a draft mining code for international waters, but the meeting concluded without a resolution.

Against this backdrop, Vancouver-based The Metals Co, backed by metals giant Glencore, formally requested deep-sea mining permits from the U.S. last week, citing the lack of progress at the ISA.

The potential executive order aligns with Trump’s “America First” policies, emphasizing the administration’s focus on domestic resource development. This move could also lead to tensions with other nations vying for resources in international waters and advocating for a global body to oversee permitting and dispute resolution.

Part of the U.S.’s interest in deep-sea mining stems from efforts to reduce China’s dominance in critical mineral production. With Beijing restricting exports of key minerals used in defense applications, the U.S. seeks to diversify its mineral sources.

It remains to be seen how NOAA would handle the review of deep-sea mining permits, considering potential staffing requirements and technical complexities associated with offshore mining. The partnership between the U.S. and Jamaica on energy projects, including seabed mining opportunities, indicates a broader interest in mineral exploration beyond domestic shores.

Aside from The Metals Co, other companies eyeing deep-sea mining opportunities include Impossible Metals (California), JSC Yuzhmorgeologiya (Russia), Blue Minerals Jamaica, China Minmetals, and Marawa Research and Exploration (Kiribati).

(Source: Reuters – Reporting by Ernest Scheyder and Jarrett Renshaw; editing by Richard Valdmanis and Marguerita Choy)