Reef or Riches? Trump Swims Toward Seabed Leases
Trump Greenlights Seabed Lease Talks as Deep-Sea Mining Emerges as America’s Next Strategic Frontier

In a move that could ignite both opportunity and outrage, the Trump administration has announced it will evaluate a request to sell leases for deep-sea mining of critical minerals in the waters off American Samoa. The announcement, made on Wednesday by the Department of the Interior, marks the first concrete step in what could become a full-throttle push into seabed mining—an industry as controversial as it is lucrative.
The request came from California-based company Impossible Metals, which seeks to extract cobalt, nickel, and other essential minerals from the ocean floor—resources vital for electric vehicles, advanced weapons systems, and high-tech manufacturing. As tensions with China escalate and the global race for critical minerals intensifies, the Trump administration is wasting no time in putting U.S. seabed resources on the table. Last month, President Trump signed an executive order that directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to fast-track permitting for deep-sea mining operations in both U.S. and international waters. The message is clear: America wants to reduce its dependence on Chinese supply chains, and it's willing to go to the depths to do it.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum emphasized the national security implications, stating that “critical minerals are fundamental to strengthening our nation’s resilience and safeguarding our national interests.” He confirmed the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will now launch a multistep evaluation, beginning with a request for public input. While the plan remains in its early stages, the tone from Washington is unmistakable—this administration is open for underwater business.
