US to Issue Deep-Sea Mining Permits Within Months, Interior Secretary Says

The U.S. government is nearing approval for permits to mine the deep sea and could issue them within months, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said Monday. The move is part of a broader administration push to secure domestic access to critical minerals essential for the U.S. economy and national security.

Speaking at a G20 energy ministers meeting in Houston, Burgum framed the initiative as part of an "energy addition" strategy to expand and diversify supply chains for the United States and its allies. The announcement comes as Washington seeks to counter China's growing dominance over the processing and export of key industrial minerals.

A Push for Mineral Security

The administration's interest in deep-sea mining has intensified as Beijing has limited exports of certain minerals over the past 18 months, increasing pressure on the U.S. to develop alternative sources. Seabed mining targets polymetallic nodules, potato-sized rocks rich in minerals needed for electric vehicles, advanced weaponry, and consumer electronics.

"Those nodules that we just have to go out and vacuum up off the (sea) floor are filled with these critical minerals that we need," Burgum stated, according to Reuters. He emphasized the goal of ensuring a "diverse, secure, affordable supply of critical minerals."

Regulatory Path and Industry Players

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The Interior Department's Marine Minerals Administration (MMA) is responsible for approving mining permits in U.S. territorial waters. The process would begin with a lease sale granting companies exclusive access to sections of the seabed, followed by a review of operational permits based on scientific data.

Several companies have already positioned themselves for this emerging industry:

• The Metals Company has formally requested seabed mining permits.
• Privately held Impossible Metals is also among the applicants.
• Other firms have applied for exploration permits.

Separately, the administration may direct the Commerce Department to issue international permits, a move that could create a conflict with the United Nations-backed International Seabed Authority, which has been developing global standards for over two decades. The prospect of mining has also drawn sharp criticism from environmental groups, who warn of irreversible biodiversity loss in fragile deep-ocean ecosystems.