The Trump administration is preparing an executive order that would permit the US to stockpile metals extracted from the Pacific Ocean floor, as part of a wider effort to reduce dependence on China for rare earth elements and battery minerals.
These strategic materials are found in polymetallic nodules—potato-sized formations that develop over millions of years under deep-sea pressure, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.
Rich in nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese, the nodules also contain trace rare earths essential for producing batteries, electronics, and military-grade equipment. If approved, the nodules would be added to existing US reserves alongside crude oil and other vital metals, strengthening national stockpiles. This initiative complements past moves by the Trump administration, including efforts to secure mineral deals with Ukraine and proposals involving Greenland and even Canada, alongside increased domestic production.
Alexander Gray, former chief of staff to the US national security adviser, said the move is in response to growing Chinese dominance. “China now sees the ocean floor as ‘a front line in economic and military competition with the US’,” Gray warned. “Catalysing US government focus on the areas of greatest vulnerability to PRC ambitions is essential.” The proposal would also accelerate deep-sea mining applications and domestic processing.
Republican leaders Marco Rubio and Mike Waltz have long supported such efforts. A recent defense bill required the Pentagon to explore using seabed metals for defense. However, the US has not ratified the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and remains absent from international seabed mining governance.
Environmental groups and many nations have called for a moratorium, citing ecological risks. Meanwhile, Vancouver-based The Metals Company is pursuing US mining permits. Still, critics warn legal uncertainty could pose challenges without approval from the International Seabed Authority.
By Naila Huseynova
Source: caliber.az
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