Trump Admin Poised to Speed Up Deep-Sea Mining Permits in International Waters The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has introduced a regulation to expedite deep-sea mining permits. This action utilizes a 1980s law that permits U.S. citizens to explore the seabed for minerals until an international regulatory framework is established. NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs stated that this initiative aims to unlock domestic critical minerals, modernize the law, and strengthen the nation’s economic resilience by enabling quicker access to these resources.

• NOAA has filed a 113-page regulation to accelerate deep-sea mining permits.
• The regulation activates a rule using a 1980s law allowing U.S. citizens to explore the seabed for minerals.
• NOAA is authorized to issue exploration licenses and commercial recovery permits for deep-seabed mining.
• Administrator Neil Jacobs highlighted the importance of deep-sea mining for unlocking domestic critical minerals.
• The initiative supports the America First agenda by enabling faster access to resources and strengthening economic resilience.