President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at developing deep-sea mining in the United States. This initiative seeks to expand mining operations in both US and international waters, in response to China's increasing dominance in this critical industry.
According to Trump administration officials, the oceans contain significant amounts of polymetallic nodules rich in critical minerals such as manganese, nickel, and copper. Increased mining of these resources could lead to a $300 billion boost in US GDP over the next decade and create about 100,000 new jobs, as stated in the document.
The order also suggests accelerating the issuance of permits for extracting minerals, including those outside US jurisdiction. However, Reuters emphasizes that this measure may cause friction within the international community.