Trump signs executive order to secure US dominance in offshore mineral resources

U.S. President Donald J. Trump has signed a historic Executive Order aimed at enhancing the United States' dominance in offshore critical minerals. 

This executive action is set to propel the U.S. to the forefront of global seabed mineral exploration, positioning the nation as a leader in the development of crucial deep-seabed resources, Caliber.Az reports, citing the White House.

The new order prioritises the rapid development of domestic capabilities for the exploration, extraction, and processing of critical minerals found beneath the ocean floor. By advancing these efforts, the U.S. seeks to build a robust domestic supply chain for vital minerals, many of which are essential for defence, energy, and infrastructure. The move also comes as a strategic countermeasure against China’s growing influence in the seabed mineral sector.

At the heart of the Executive Order is an expedited process for reviewing exploration and commercial recovery permits. Under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act, the Secretary of Commerce is tasked with fast-tracking approvals to facilitate timely mineral extraction. The Order also directs key government officials, including the Secretaries of Commerce, Interior, and Energy, to collaborate on identifying private sector opportunities for seabed mineral exploration in the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.

The United States faces unprecedented economic and national security challenges in securing reliable supplies of critical minerals independent of foreign adversary control.  Vast offshore seabed areas hold critical minerals and energy resources.

According to the statement, these resources are key to strengthening the American economy, securing the energy future, and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers for critical minerals.

The United States also controls seabed mineral resources in one of the largest ocean areas of the world. 

"Our Nation can, through the exercise of existing authorities and by establishing international partnerships, access potentially vast resources in seabed polymetallic nodules; other subsea geologic structures; and coastal deposits containing strategic minerals such as nickel, cobalt, copper, manganese, titanium, and rare earth elements, which are vital to our national security and economic prosperity," the document reads.

"Our Nation must take immediate action to accelerate the responsible development of seabed mineral resources, quantify the Nation’s endowment of seabed minerals, reinvigorate American leadership in associated extraction and processing technologies, and ensure secure supply chains for our defence, infrastructure, and energy sectors."

By Aghakazim Guliyev