U.S. President Donald Trump signed a sweeping executive order Thursday to fast-track deep-sea mining, according to CNBC. The action aims to counter China’s influence over seabed minerals, strengthen alliances, and position U.S. firms to support responsible mineral development. The order calls for expedited permits under the Deep Seabed Hard Minerals Act 1980 and seeks to establish mining operations in U.S. and international waters. Trump said the U.S. has a core national security and economic interest in seabed mineral leadership. The action bypasses ongoing United Nations efforts to regulate the practice, drawing sharp criticism from environmental groups and the International Seabed Authority.
