The order aims to establish the US as a global leader in seabed mineral exploration and development within and beyond national jurisdiction.
The order emphasizes positioning the US as a global leader in seabed mineral exploration, both within its national jurisdiction and internationally. It highlights the importance of these resources for economic growth and energy security. “Vast offshore seabed areas hold critical minerals and energy resources,” the order states. “These resources are key to strengthening our economy, securing our energy future and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers for critical minerals.”
To achieve these goals, the order instructs the Secretary of Commerce to streamline the review and issuance of exploration and commercial recovery permits under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act within 60 days. Additionally, the Secretaries of Commerce, Interior, and Energy are tasked with preparing a report to identify private sector opportunities for seabed mineral exploration and mining in the US Outer Continental Shelf. The order also calls for a plan to map priority seabed areas to enhance data collection.
The directive encourages collaboration with international partners to advance seabed mineral exploration. The Secretaries of Commerce, State, Interior, and Energy are directed to engage with allies to explore cooperative opportunities and assess the potential for an international seabed benefit-sharing mechanism. Furthermore, the Secretaries of Defense and Energy will evaluate the feasibility of incorporating nodule-derived minerals into the National Defense Stockpile.
The order also involves US financial institutions, including the US International Development Finance Corporation, the Export-Import Bank, and the US Trade and Development Agency, to identify tools supporting seabed mineral exploration and environmental monitoring. Proponents suggest that deep-sea mining could reduce reliance on land-based mining, which often faces community opposition, according to Reuters.
Environmental groups, however, have raised concerns, advocating for a ban on deep-sea mining due to potential biodiversity loss from industrial activities on the ocean floor. The order does not address these environmental concerns directly but underscores the need for responsible resource development.
Through these measures, the US aims to bolster its seabed mineral industry, fostering economic resilience and global competitiveness in the critical minerals sector.
