Deep-sea mining permitting accelerated by U.S. after Trump order

A finalized NOAA rule and a presidential executive order are accelerating U.S. permitting for deep-sea mining in international waters, and the article mentions companies such as The Metals Company pursuing exploration approvals.

U.S. officials have finalized a rule intended to speed permitting for deep-sea mining in international waters. The action follows a presidential executive order aimed at supporting U.S. exploration of seabed minerals and countering foreign control of critical metals. The rule is described as consolidating licensing and permitting into a single, shorter review, according to the article. The article mentions that companies including Canadian miner The Metals Company have begun seeking exploration permits. Key facts: - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration finalized a rule to consolidate the licensing and permitting process for deep-sea seabed activity. - A presidential order directed agencies to expedite permits under the Deep Seabed Hard Minerals Resource Act and to establish a process for the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf. - The article mentions firms such as The Metals Company pursuing exploration approvals. - The International Seabed Authority has not finalized international standards for deep-sea mining, and questions remain about how regulation will move forward. Summary: The change is reported to speed U.S. exploration efforts and to raise environmental and legal concerns. Undetermined at this time.