President Trump signs a directive propelling the U.S. to take control of offshore mineral exploration while breaking free from dependence on foreign nations, particularly China.
Quick Takes
- Executive order accelerates permitting processes for seabed mineral exploration in U.S. waters
- Directive aims to develop domestic capabilities for critical minerals essential to defense and energy sectors
- U.S. controls one of the world’s largest ocean areas containing strategic mineral deposits including nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements
- Initiative directly counters China’s dominance of global critical mineral supply chains
- Offshore energy companies along the Gulf Coast are positioned to lead this strategic resource development
Trump Administration Pushes for American Mineral Independence
President Donald Trump signed a directive focused on unleashing America’s offshore critical minerals and resources. The executive action is part of a broader strategy to secure domestic supplies of critical minerals essential for national defense, economic growth, and energy independence. This initiative specifically targets the vast mineral resources in America’s seabed territories, which contain strategic deposits of nickel, cobalt, copper, manganese, titanium, and rare earth elements currently dominated by foreign suppliers, particularly China.
“To commence the policies that will make our Nation united, fair, safe, and prosperous again, it is the policy of the United States to restore common sense to the Federal Government and unleash the potential of the American citizen. The revocations within this order will be the first of many steps the United States Federal Government will take to repair our institutions and our economy,” reads the order.
Strategic Importance of Seabed Minerals
The directive recognizes the United States controls one of the largest ocean areas in the world with significant seabed mineral resources. These offshore deposits contain critical minerals essential for advanced technologies, defense systems, infrastructure development, and the energy sector. The administration has identified immediate action as necessary to develop these resources and establish secure supply chains independent of foreign control. The policy aims to rapidly develop domestic capabilities for exploration and processing while supporting investment in deep sea science.
President Trump is UNLEASHING America's offshore critical minerals and resources.🇺🇸 This bold move will:
✅ Strengthen our economy
⚡️ Secure American energy
🚫 Reduce dependence on foreign suppliers
🛑 Counter China's growing influence over seabed minerals pic.twitter.com/moF9HW2bni— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 24, 2025
Expediting Permitting and Development
The directive tasks the Secretary of Commerce and other relevant agencies with expediting seabed mineral exploration licenses and permits while identifying private sector opportunities. The Secretary of the Interior will establish an accelerated process for seabed mineral resource permits and identify critical minerals essential for defense and energy applications. This streamlined approach aims to rapidly develop these resources that have remained largely untapped despite their strategic importance to American security and economic interests.
“This Executive Order affirms what industry has long understood: to secure our future, we must harness the full strength of our offshore capabilities. Doing so will bolster domestic supply chains, generate high-paying American jobs, and deliver the mineral resources that will power our economy and protect our security,” said National Ocean Industries Association President Erik Milito in a statement.
International Partnerships and National Defense
The directive emphasizes strengthening partnerships with allies and industry to counter China’s influence over seabed mineral resources. The United States will engage with key international partners for seabed mineral resource exploration and development while exploring benefit-sharing mechanisms. Additionally, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Energy will review regulations to support domestic processing capabilities and consider seabed mineral resources in national security strategies, acknowledging the critical role these resources play in maintaining military readiness.
Economic and Strategic Benefits
The offshore energy sector, especially companies along the Gulf Coast, is positioned to lead in the development of these resources due to their experience in operating in marine environments. This initiative aims to bolster domestic supply chains, generate high-paying American jobs, and deliver the mineral resources needed to power the economy and protect national security. By tapping into these resources, the administration seeks to establish the United States as a global leader in responsible seabed mineral exploration and development.
