Story perspectives

Trump Launches Seabed Mining Push for Energy Security

12/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On December 24, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced an application for seabed mining exploration in international waters, marking the first step toward industry promotion.
The Metals Company plans commercial mining in the Pacific by 2027.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is reviewing the applications and has scheduled public hearings for late January.
Nickel and cobalt on the ocean floor are crucial for energy and security, administration says.

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Story summary

On December 24, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced an application for seabed mining exploration in international waters, marking the first step toward industry promotion.
The Metals Company plans commercial mining in the Pacific by 2027.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is reviewing the applications and has scheduled public hearings for late January.
Nickel and cobalt on the ocean floor are crucial for energy and security, administration says.