On Thursday, Donald Trump signed an executive order to enhance the deep-sea mining industry in the U.S., aiming to increase production of critical minerals like nickel and copper, crucial for electric vehicles and electronics. The order expedites mining permits and encourages exploration in U.S. waters, which contain over 1 billion metric tons of polymetallic nodules, potentially boosting the economy by $300 billion and creating 100,000 jobs. While supporters advocate for reducing land mining, environmental groups warn of biodiversity risks from ocean floor operations.
