Trump’s Critical Minerals Obsession Reignites Deep-Sea Mining

Deep-Sea Mining and the Focus on Critical Minerals

The Trump administration has accelerated US efforts to mine critical minerals from the deep ocean, aiming to reduce dependence on China. This push focuses on extracting polymetallic nodules rich in cobalt, nickel, and copper from the Pacific seabed. The Metals Company (TMC), a leading startup, leads this charge, citing national security and industrial competitiveness. However, the technology remains underdeveloped and faces significant legal and environmental challenges. While TMC filed the world’s first US seabed mining application, international opposition is strong, as mining in international waters violates the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Challenges Facing US Deep-Sea Mining Expansion

Despite political backing, deep-sea mining confronts technological and market hurdles. Extracting nodules from ocean depths requires advanced machinery, which is still in prototype phases. Moreover, the US lacks sufficient processing and refining capacity for these minerals, unlike China, which dominates global cobalt and nickel refining. Environmental concerns also mount, with many countries supporting a moratorium until impacts are better understood. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) stresses that mining must comply with international law, but US unilateral moves have sparked diplomatic friction. Processing nodules commercially remains complex and costly, potentially delaying large-scale production.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Trump’s deep-sea mining push reflects strategic urgency to secure critical minerals amid global supply chain risks. However, this ambition clashes with international law and environmental safeguards, creating uncertainty for investors and stakeholders. The US faces an uphill battle to develop technology and processing infrastructure swiftly enough to compete with China. While seabed minerals offer potential, the industry’s future depends on balancing economic interests with environmental responsibility and global cooperation.