President Trump signs groundbreaking directive to secure America’s future with seabed mineral exploration, challenging China’s dominance in critical resources essential for national defense and economic prosperity.
At a Glance
- The presidential directive aims to unlock vast offshore mineral resources, including nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements essential for defense and energy sectors
- Executive Order expedites permitting processes for seabed mineral exploration in the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers, especially China
- The directive prioritizes investment in deep sea science and technology while strengthening partnerships with allies to counter Chinese influence
- America’s offshore energy sector, particularly Gulf Coast companies, is positioned to lead responsible development of these critical resources
Securing America’s Mineral Independence
On April 24, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a decisive presidential directive focused on advancing U.S. engagement in seabed mineral exploration and resource management. This executive action addresses the growing national security concern over America’s dependency on foreign nations, particularly China, for critical minerals essential to defense systems, infrastructure development, and energy technologies.
The directive specifically targets the vast mineral wealth located in the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf, which contains significant deposits of strategic resources including nickel, cobalt, copper, manganese, titanium, and rare earth elements.
“To commence the policies that will make our Nation united, fair, safe, and prosperous again, it is the policy of the United States to restore common sense to the Federal Government and unleash the potential of the American citizen. The revocations within this order will be the first of many steps the United States Federal Government will take to repair our institutions and our economy.”, said President Donald J. Trump.
The directive represents part of a broader energy independence strategy that includes several executive orders aimed at revitalizing American energy production. It follows Executive Order 14148, which revoked 78 executive actions from the Biden administration, and Executive Order 14156, which declared a national energy emergency. These actions collectively prioritize domestic resource development and energy infrastructure security, positioning seabed mineral exploration as a critical component of national economic and security policy.
Expediting Development and Countering China
The Secretary of Commerce and Interior are tasked with establishing expedited processes for issuing exploration licenses and resource permits for seabed minerals. This streamlined approach aims to rapidly develop domestic capabilities for exploration, extraction, and processing of these critical resources. The directive specifically addresses the urgent need to quantify America’s seabed mineral endowment and secure supply chains for defense applications and energy infrastructure, areas where foreign dependency creates significant vulnerability.
According to Erik Milito: “This Executive Order marks a decisive and strategic step toward reshoring critical mineral production and strengthening America’s energy and national security. Demand for minerals like cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements is accelerating at an unprecedented pace—and without urgent action, the U.S. risks falling behind. China currently holds a dominant position in the global supply chain for these resources, and our overreliance on foreign adversaries poses a clear threat to our economic and national defense infrastructure.”
The United States controls one of the world’s largest ocean areas with significant seabed mineral resources, yet has lagged behind in developing these resources while China has aggressively pursued control of global supply chains. By enhancing coordination among federal agencies and supporting investment in deep sea science and technology, the administration aims to establish the U.S. as a global leader in responsible seabed mineral exploration and development, directly challenging China’s current dominance in this sector.
Leveraging Industry Expertise for National Security
America’s offshore energy sector, particularly companies along the Gulf Coast with decades of experience in marine operations, is identified as uniquely positioned to lead the development of seabed mineral resources. The presidential directive recognizes these companies’ expertise in safely operating in complex ocean environments and their potential to responsibly extract the resources needed for national security and economic prosperity.
“Modern life—from advanced technologies to military systems—runs on critical minerals. Yet the supply outlook shows a looming shortfall. The U.S. outer continental shelf holds vast, untapped reserves—including many of the most vital critical minerals and all known rare earth elements. Fortunately, America’s offshore energy sector, anchored by the innovation-driven companies along the Gulf Coast, is uniquely equipped to lead in this space.”, added Milito.
The Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Energy are directed to review regulations supporting domestic processing capabilities and to integrate seabed mineral resources into national security strategies. Additionally, the directive emphasizes the importance of international partnerships, calling for engagement with key allies for collaborative exploration and development efforts. This approach aims to create not only secure supply chains for critical minerals but also high-paying American jobs while countering Chinese influence over these essential resources.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 10, 2025
