"President Trump signed an executive order Thursday that aims to jump-start mining on the ocean floor.
Large-scale deep sea mining has never been done — though some companies have pushed for it — but the seafloor is expected to contain valuable materials.
A Trump administration official told reporters Thursday that it expects to find manganese, cobalt, nickel and copper at the bottom of the ocean. These materials have energy, weapons and consumer uses, making up components of batteries, steel and more.
The president’s order was expected to direct the Commerce secretary to expedite permits for commercial undersea exploration and mining. It directs the Interior secretary to set a program to allow for mining off U.S. coasts."
Source: The Hill, 04/25/2025
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