Overview

• President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing expedited permitting for deep-sea mining under the 1980 Deep Seabed Hard Minerals Resource Act.
• The order bypasses the United Nations-backed International Seabed Authority, allowing U.S. companies to mine in domestic and international waters via U.S. regulations.
• Administration officials estimate over one billion metric tons of polymetallic nodules in U.S. waters, potentially adding $300 billion to GDP and creating 100,000 jobs over the next decade.
• Environmental groups and scientists warn of irreversible marine ecosystem damage, with calls for a global moratorium on deep-sea mining.
• Shares of The Metals Company surged 40% following the announcement, reflecting industry optimism despite international and environmental pushback.