US Deep-Sea Mining Policy

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.

via greenpeace.org·deepsea.org

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.

via Inside Climate News·deepsea.org·greenpeace.org

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.

via Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

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.

via mining.com·gibsondunn.com·atlanticcouncil.org·firstpost.com

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.

via procurementmagazine.com·evmagazine.com

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.

via arctictoday.com

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.

via greenpeace.org

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.

via discoveryalert.com

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.

via subscriber.politicopro.com

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.

via greenpeace.org·mexicobusiness.news

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.

via isa.org.jm

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.

via youtube.com

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.

via mining.com

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.

via subscriber.politicopro.com