US deep-sea mining policy and regulation
The head of the International Seabed Authority warned on May 24, 2026, that companies pursuing deep-sea mining before regulations are established could face litigation, as China and the European Union questioned the legality of the U.S. executive order promoting deep-sea mining. As of May 24, 2026: The Trump administration is accelerating deep-sea mining initiatives, finalizing new rules on January 21, 2026, to expedite permit applications and considering lease sales in American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands for August and November 2026, respectively. Over 900 scientists and experts called for a precautionary pause due to insufficient data, while indigenous communities and over 40 nations expressed concerns about ecological and cultural disruption. The U.S. signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Japan in April 2026 and issued Executive Order 14285 in April 2025 to promote seabed mining, with The Metals Company submitting applications under a new NOAA rule. Local leaders in American Samoa unanimously rejected NOAA's $20 million deep-sea mining survey in March 2026, and several U.S. states have enacted laws against deep-sea mining in their waters.
Timeline
Want updates on this thread?
Track this storyTimeline of developments
May 2026 — 2 developments
The head of the International Seabed Authority has warned that companies pursuing deep-sea mining before regulations are established could face litigation.
The head of the International Seabed Authority has warned that companies pursuing deep-sea mining before regulations are established could face litigation. China and the European Union have also questioned the legality of the U.S. executive order promoting deep-sea mining, viewing it as a circumvention of international agreements.
Over 900 scientists and experts have called for a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining due to insufficient data on potential harm to marine environments.
Over 900 scientists and experts have called for a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining due to insufficient data on potential harm to marine environments. This call comes as the Trump administration seeks to accelerate the industry.
April 2026 — 6 developments
A Department of the Interior document outlines a timeline for lease sales in American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands in August and November 2026, respectively.
A Department of the Interior document outlines a timeline for lease sales in American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands in August and November 2026, respectively. This follows President Trump's executive orders aimed at accelerating deep-sea mining exploration and exploitation.
The Trump administration finalized new rules on January 21, 2026, to expedite deep-sea mining permit applications in U.
The Trump administration finalized new rules on January 21, 2026, to expedite deep-sea mining permit applications in U.S. and international waters. The administration is also considering leasing areas offshore of Virginia and Alaska for mining, aiming to counter China's dominance in critical mineral supply chains.
Indigenous communities in U.
Indigenous communities in U.S. territories like American Samoa and Guam are expressing fears of ecological and cultural disruption due to the Trump administration's deep-sea mining promotion. These concerns add to the existing opposition from environmental groups and over 40 nations.
The U.S. administration signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Japan in April 2026 to advance deep-…
The U.S. administration signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Japan in April 2026 to advance deep-sea mining research and issued Executive Order 14285 in April 2025 to promote seabed mining activities. The Metals Company has also submitted applications for exploration and recovery permits under a new NOAA rule designed to expedite operations.
U.S. lawmakers have introduced bills like the American Seabed Protection Act and the International S…
U.S. lawmakers have introduced bills like the American Seabed Protection Act and the International Seabed Protection Act to enact a moratorium on deep-sea mining. Additionally, several U.S. states, including California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, Guam, and American Samoa, have enacted laws against deep-sea mining in their state or territorial waters.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has initiated processes for leasing areas for deep-sea mining in American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has initiated processes for leasing areas for deep-sea mining in American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands. This development occurs amidst ongoing debate and criticism regarding the environmental and economic impacts of deep-sea mining.
March 2026 — 4 developments
NOAA finalized a rule consolidating deep-sea mining permitting procedures, and Japan and the United States have agreed to collaborate on seabed mining research.
NOAA finalized a rule consolidating deep-sea mining permitting procedures, and Japan and the United States have agreed to collaborate on seabed mining research. The Metals Company received a compliance determination from NOAA in March 2026 for its application in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone.
Local leaders in American Samoa have unanimously rejected the NOAA's $20 million deep-sea mining survey, citing concerns about potential harm to their fishing industry.
Local leaders in American Samoa have unanimously rejected the NOAA's $20 million deep-sea mining survey, citing concerns about potential harm to their fishing industry. This action occurs despite the Trump administration's executive order promoting deep-sea mining and NOAA's initiation of the survey in federal waters surrounding American Samoa.
NOAA has initiated a $20 million survey in federal waters surrounding American Samoa to identify deep-sea mineral deposits, despite local opposition and a moratorium.
NOAA has initiated a $20 million survey in federal waters surrounding American Samoa to identify deep-sea mineral deposits, despite local opposition and a moratorium. This action occurs as over 75,000 public comments were submitted, with most opposing deep-sea mining, and at least 40 countries supporting a global moratorium.
Greenpeace International urged governments to uphold international law on March 8, 2026, citing evid…
Greenpeace International urged governments to uphold international law on March 8, 2026, citing evidence of breaches by deep-sea mining contractors and potential violations by the U.S. administration. This follows President Trump's April 24, 2025, executive order promoting deep-sea mining in U.S. and international waters, which critics argue bypasses international law and could harm fragile ecosystems.
February 2026 — 2 developments
President Trump has issued an executive order titled "Unleashing America's Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources" to accelerate deep-sea mining.
President Trump has issued an executive order titled "Unleashing America's Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources" to accelerate deep-sea mining. This order aims to bypass international regulatory bodies like the International Seabed Authority and establish the U.S. as a leader in seabed mineral exploration. The strategy involves a unilateral approach, potentially creating diplomatic tensions and diverging from international consensus.
The Trump administration has launched a $12 billion initiative named 'Project Vault' to advance deep-sea mining for critical minerals.
The Trump administration has launched a $12 billion initiative named 'Project Vault' to advance deep-sea mining for critical minerals. This initiative aims to secure mineral supply chains and reduce reliance on China by accelerating regulatory processes and fast-tracking mining operations.
January 2026 — 9 developments
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to assess co…
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to assess corporate interest and gather public feedback on the proposal for large-scale deep-sea mining near Alaska. This marks a new procedural step in the Trump administration's plan.
Trump Administration officials promoted seabed mining in U.
Trump Administration officials promoted seabed mining in U.S. waters during a forum and announced measures that could lead to the first mining operation on Alaska's Outer Continental Shelf.
The Metals Company filed an application for a deep-sea mining permit on January 23, 2026, one day after the new consolidated permitting framework was implemented.
The Metals Company filed an application for a deep-sea mining permit on January 23, 2026, one day after the new consolidated permitting framework was implemented.
House members debated President Trump's deep-sea mining plan, revealing stark divisions, with Republ…
House members debated President Trump's deep-sea mining plan, revealing stark divisions, with Republicans on the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources lauding NOAA's expedited permitting process and citing China.
Greenpeace International activists have protested against deep sea mining, stating that the Trump ad…
Greenpeace International activists have protested against deep sea mining, stating that the Trump administration is openly testing the limits of international law and rejecting long-standing global norms.
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) has expressed concerns regarding the US Executive Order on …
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) has expressed concerns regarding the US Executive Order on deep-seabed mineral resources, specifically questioning its applicability beyond national jurisdiction. The ISA clarified that while the US has not ratified UNCLOS, it recognizes it as customary international law.
Republican representatives from island communities have expressed opposition to the Trump administration's deep-sea mining push during an oversight hearing.
Republican representatives from island communities have expressed opposition to the Trump administration's deep-sea mining push during an oversight hearing. They argued against burdening indigenous communities despite acknowledging the need for critical minerals.
The Metals Company (TMC) has become the first deep-sea miner to seek Washington's approval to mine t…
The Metals Company (TMC) has become the first deep-sea miner to seek Washington's approval to mine the international seabed under the newly streamlined permitting process introduced by NOAA.
NOAA's Office for Coastal Management is set to publish a 113-page regulation in the Federal Register, detailing the finalized route for deep-sea mining beyond US waters.
NOAA's Office for Coastal Management is set to publish a 113-page regulation in the Federal Register, detailing the finalized route for deep-sea mining beyond US waters. This publication marks a concrete step in the Trump administration's plan to expedite permits for deep-sea mining.
December 2025 — 1 developments
NOAA formally announced the receipt and commencement of public review for exploration license applications for deep seabed mining.
NOAA formally announced the receipt and commencement of public review for exploration license applications for deep seabed mining.
November 2025 — 1 developments
President Trump signed an executive order in April 2025 to restart deep-sea mining, and the administ…
President Trump signed an executive order in April 2025 to restart deep-sea mining, and the administration is now expanding its ambitions to include the Mariana Trench area, proposing to nearly double the seabed mining area near American Samoa.
August 2025 — 1 developments
The Trump administration's initiative to fast-track deep-sea mining has faced significant internatio…
The Trump administration's initiative to fast-track deep-sea mining has faced significant international criticism, with allies aligning with China against the move at United Nations talks. Furthermore, an executive order permitting deep-sea mining in international waters contradicts the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), raising legal questions about mining conducted under U.S. license.
July 2025 — 3 developments
In July 2025, the United States asserted that the International Seabed Authority (ISA) lacked author…
In July 2025, the United States asserted that the International Seabed Authority (ISA) lacked authority over deep-sea mining for the US, rejecting the "common heritage of humankind" principle. Earlier, in April 2025, President Trump signed an executive order to expedite deep-sea mining permits for US-affiliated companies in both US and international waters, bypassing the ISA's multilateral process.
The 30th session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) concluded without agreeing to a morator…
The 30th session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) concluded without agreeing to a moratorium on deep-sea mining, but governments present rebuked the US and The Metals Company for their unilateral approach.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) proposed changes to its regulations gover…
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) proposed changes to its regulations governing deep-seabed mining under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA).
May 2025 — 1 developments
At the Our Ocean Conference in Busan, South Korea, nations, regions, and philanthropists committed $9.
At the Our Ocean Conference in Busan, South Korea, nations, regions, and philanthropists committed $9.1 billion to protect and restore oceans, a move seen as a stark contrast to the US deep-sea mining initiative.
April 2025 — 2 developments
France accused the United States of violating international law by seeking to issue mining licenses in international waters, following President Trump's order.
France accused the United States of violating international law by seeking to issue mining licenses in international waters, following President Trump's order.
The Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) publicly called on global governments to join a growing m…
The Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) publicly called on global governments to join a growing movement for a moratorium on deep-sea mining in response to Trump's executive order.