Trump Administration to Issue Deep-Sea Mining Permits

The Trump administration is preparing to issue permits for deep-sea mining within the coming months to increase domestic access to critical minerals used in electric vehicles, weapons, and electronics. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced the timeline during a G20 energy ministers gathering, describing the initiative as a strategy of energy addition to ensure diverse and affordable supply chains as China limits processed mineral exports.

The process will be managed by the Marine Minerals Administration, which will conduct lease sales to private companies and review operational permits based on scientific data. Companies including Impossible Metals and The Metals Company have already formally requested permits.

Beyond territorial waters, the administration intends for the Commerce Department to issue international permits. This move may create conflict with the standards established by the International Seabed Authority, a United Nations-backed body that regulates international seabed mining.