Deep-Sea Mining Approved Despite Environmental Warnings

President Trump signed an executive order expanding deep-sea mining, allowing companies to extract mineral-rich nodules from ocean floors. Proponents call this a strategic move to secure rare-earth metals crucial for technology manufacturing. Critics argue it threatens fragile marine ecosystems we barely understand. The order directs government agencies to expedite permits, effectively lowering environmental review barriers. While supporters see it as a way to reduce dependence on Chinese mineral imports, environmental groups warn that disturbing deep seabeds can harm biodiversity and release unknown levels of carbon stored in sediment. This policy intensifies a global debate on whether short-term resource gains justify potential long-term ecological damage.