Summary
On April 29, 2025, the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations convened a hearing titled “Exploring the Potential of Deep-Sea Mining to Expand American Mineral Production.” The hearing focused on the strategic importance of critical minerals—such as cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements—for national security, clean energy, and economic competitiveness. The memo highlights that U.S. seabed mining companies are at the forefront of developing technologies to harvest polymetallic nodules from the ocean floor, which are rich in these essential minerals. However, the current permitting processes, managed by agencies like the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), are seen as outdated and burdensome, hindering domestic seabed mining initiatives. In response, President Trump’s April 2025 Executive Order directs these agencies to expedite the review and issuance of seabed mineral exploration licenses and commercial recovery permits, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign sources, particularly China, and to strengthen U.S. mineral supply chains. The memo also notes the absence of domestic facilities capable of processing polymetallic nodules, suggesting that establishing such infrastructure could create significant employment opportunities and further secure the nation’s mineral resources.
Read the report here.
