Takeaways from AP’s report on deep-sea mining
Summary
Since President Donald Trump signed an order to start a deep-sea mining industry, companies have raised millions from investors and federal regulators are speeding up permission processes. Several companies are negotiating with the government to mine minerals from the ocean floor in U.S. waters, with auctions expected soon, but questions remain about the companies’ reliability and how the minerals will be processed.Key Facts
- President Trump signed an executive order in April 2025 to create a deep-sea mining industry in the U.S.
- Federal agencies NOAA and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management are leading permit approvals.
- Companies could begin mining sections of the ocean floor near places like Alaska and American Samoa.
- Polymetallic nodules on the seabed contain valuable metals like manganese, copper, nickel, and cobalt.
- Some companies seeking permits have histories of legal issues or uncertain business records.
- The U.S. government aims to speed up permit processing, with a lease sale planned as early as August 2026.
- The industry is new, and commercial deep-sea mining has never before been approved in international waters.
- The effort is partly intended to reduce U.S. reliance on China for critical minerals.
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