US Fast-Tracks Deep-Sea Mining

The United States>>> is rapidly advancing efforts to establish a deep-sea mining industry following an April 2025 executive order by Donald Trump>>>. This initiative aims to secure critical minerals like manganese, copper, nickel, and cobalt, reducing reliance on countries like China>>>. Federal agencies, including United States — National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration>>> and United States — Bureau of Ocean Energy Management>>>, are expediting permitting processes, with plans for lease sales in US waters from American Samoa to Alaska. Several companies, such as The Metals Company>>>, Odyssey Marine Exploration>>>, and Impossible Metals>>>, are seeking permits. Despite the regulatory push, analysts and investors, including Brian Lang>>> and Steven Emerman>>>, express skepticism about the economic viability and environmental impact of deep-sea mining. Challenges include the lack of domestic processing facilities and potential legal issues with the International — International Seabed Authority>>> if foreign partners assist US companies.