President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to fast track permits for deep-sea mining as the administration seeks to counter China’s access to metals and mineral resources that are critical to electric power.

The order, based on the Deep Seabed Hard Minerals Resource Act of 1980, calls for establishing a permit process for mining along the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.

Deep seabed mining targets polymetallic nodules, which contain rare-earth minerals and metals that can be used for batteries, including those for electric vehicles.

The order also calls for expedited review of seabed mining permits beyond U.S. jurisdiction.

The International Seabed Authority is the organization that countries use to discuss governance issues of waters beyond national jurisdiction, including deep seabed mining. Member states have not yet reached an agreement on regulating such activities. 

Conservationists caution that more research is needed to understand the effects of mining on deepwater ecosystems before industry starts mining.

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