BUSINESS

U.S. Moves to Promote Deep-Sea Mining Industry Rapidly

PUBLISHED May 21, 2026, 7:35 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 4

Center 100%

Sources: 4

Washington. In the year since President Donald Trump signed an executive order to develop a U.S. deep-sea mining industry, businesses have raised millions, stock prices climbed, and federal regulators accelerated a permitting process as at least nine companies entered talks for access to seabed minerals across areas from American Samoa to Alaska. This summer and through the fall, sections of seafloor could be auctioned, prompting scrutiny from environmental observers and questions about how minerals would be processed and refined; reviewers note some interested companies have uncertain track records and legal disputes, and regulators must clarify oversight and procedural timelines before commercial extraction occurs.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

About one year ago: President Trump signed an executive order promoting deep-sea mining.
Shortly after: businesses raised millions and stock prices rose on industry prospects.
Federal regulators moved to fast-track permitting processes for seabed access.
Associated Press review found at least nine companies in talks with the government.
This year: sections from American Samoa to Alaska could be auctioned summer through fall.

News Intelligence

Deep-sea mining could affect the economy and environment. It might create jobs, but also stir up legal and ecological issues. Keep an eye on how this unfolds. If you're an investor, watch for potential opportunities or risks in mining stocks.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 4
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 4

Who Benefited

Mining companies, their investors, and equipment suppliers gained market interest, capital, and potential access to seabed mineral leases due to regulatory acceleration and public announcements.

Who Impacted

Environmental groups, coastal communities, and marine ecosystems face increased risk and scrutiny as permitting accelerates without clarified processing, oversight, or completed impact studies.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 4
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 4
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Mining companies, their investors, and equipment suppliers gained market interest, capital, and potential access to seabed mineral leases due to regulatory acceleration and public announcements.

Who Impacted

Environmental groups, coastal communities, and marine ecosystems face increased risk and scrutiny as permitting accelerates without clarified processing, oversight, or completed impact studies.