JAKARTA – US President Donald Trump has recently signed an executive order aimed at accelerating deep-sea exploration for critical minerals, in an effort to reduce China’s dominance in global mineral supply chains.

As reported by CNBC on Friday (25 April), the US government is seeking to expedite the exploration of strategic minerals such as nickel, copper, and rare earth elements from the seabed—both in US waters and internationally.

“For the sake of national security and economic interests, the United States must maintain leadership in deep-sea science and seabed mineral resources,” Trump stated in the executive order published on Thursday (24 April).

The main objective of this move is to counter China’s growing influence over marine mineral resources, strengthen partnerships with allies, and ensure that US companies can responsibly develop deep-sea mineral exploration.

Following the tariff war initiated by Trump, China halted rare earth mineral exports to the United States—a significant move, considering these minerals are vital for producing electronic equipment and US military weaponry.

Trump’s order aims to speed up mining permits under the 1980 Deep Seabed Mineral Resources Act.

Additionally, the directive seeks to streamline offshore licensing processes in US waters and accelerate mining permit reviews in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Deep-sea mining involves heavy machinery extracting minerals and metals from the seabed, which accumulate in the form of potato-sized nodules. These minerals are essential for producing electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines, and solar panels.

Supporters argue that deep-sea mining could become a highly profitable industry, reducing dependency on land-based mining operations.

However, scientists warn of unpredictable environmental consequences. Environmental campaign groups argue that the practice is unsustainable, could damage ecosystems, and lead to species extinction. Greenpeace USA strongly opposes the move, calling it a "disgrace to multilateralism."

Amid criticism, the executive order also risks escalating global geopolitical tensions. Nations such as China, Russia, and the United Kingdom have condemned US deep-sea mining exploration, particularly targeting The Metals Company, a firm based in the US and Canada.

These nations—alongside Norway, India, and Poland—had previously backed stricter mining approval processes, but now stand united in opposition to the US initiative. (DK/LM)