In April 2025, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at boosting deep-sea mining for critical minerals like nickel and cobalt, essential for electric vehicle batteries. The order seeks to expedite permits for mining in both U.S. and international waters, potentially bypassing international regulations.
This decision has ignited controversy among scientists and environmentalists, who warn of potentially catastrophic consequences for marine ecosystems. Mining activities could disrupt marine life by creating sediment plumes and damaging food webs. Concerns also exist regarding noise and light pollution impacting marine species. Some experts caution that deep-sea mining could disturb the ocean's carbon cycle, reducing its ability to mitigate global temperature rise.
Companies like The Metals Company have expressed interest in deep-sea mining permits. CEO Gerard Baron argues that the environmental damage from deep-sea mining must be balanced against the impacts of terrestrial mining, which can lead to deforestation. The executive order reflects a push to secure domestic mineral supplies, but its impact on marine environments remains a significant point of contention, with many calling for a moratorium until comprehensive environmental research is conducted.