The United States is moving rapidly to secure its position in the global race for critical minerals following a new executive order signed by President Donald Trump on April 24, 2025. The order, titled “Unleashing America’s Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources,” directs federal agencies to expedite the exploration and extraction of seabed minerals in U.S. and international waters, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and counter China’s dominance in critical mineral supply chains.
The executive order mandates the Department of Commerce, the Department of the Interior, and other agencies to fast-track permits for seabed mineral exploration and commercial recovery, both within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is tasked with accelerating the review and issuance of seabed mining licenses, while the Department of Defense is ordered to assess the feasibility of adding seabed minerals to the national defense stockpile. The order also calls for comprehensive mapping of the U.S. outer continental shelf to identify priority areas for mineral extraction.
The directive is seen as a direct response to China’s growing influence over critical mineral supply chains. It specifically targets minerals such as nickel, cobalt, copper, manganese, titanium, and rare earth elements, which are essential for advanced technologies, renewable energy, and defense applications. The U.S. government estimates that over one billion metric tons of polymetallic nodules—containing these vital metals—exist in American waters alone. Industry experts say the move could create up to 100,000 jobs and add hundreds of billions of dollars to the U.S. economy over the next decade.
The order also instructs agencies to engage with allies and partners interested in developing seabed minerals within their own jurisdictions, aiming to strengthen U.S. leadership and create a robust domestic supply chain for critical minerals. The administration has emphasized the need for streamlined permitting processes, investment in deep-sea science and technology, and enhanced coordination among federal agencies. The fact sheet released by the White House highlights the policy’s focus on economic growth, reindustrialization, and military preparedness.
However, the executive order has sparked controversy both domestically and internationally. Environmental groups have voiced strong opposition, warning that fast-tracked mining could cause irreversible damage to fragile deep-sea ecosystems. Critics also point out that the U.S. is not a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, raising questions about the legality of mining in international waters and the potential for diplomatic friction. The move is expected to reignite debates over global governance of seabed resources and the balance between economic security and environmental protection.
