The Trump administration is reportedly drafting an executive order aimed at enabling the United States to stockpile valuable metal resources found on the seabed of the Pacific Ocean. This initiative is primarily a strategic move to counteract China's growing dominance over battery minerals and rare earth supply chains, according to individuals familiar with the internal discussions.

The seabed is home to potato-sized polymetallic nodules that have formed over millions of years under high-pressure conditions. These nodules are rich in essential metals such as nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese, which are vital components in batteries, electrical wiring, and even munitions. Moreover, they contain traces of rare earth minerals that are crucial for various technological applications. The idea is to integrate these resources into the existing federal stockpiles, which currently include crude oil and various metals.

In recent years, the United States has been making concerted efforts to become self-sufficient in critical minerals. The Trump administration has taken several bold steps, including pressuring Ukraine to engage in a minerals deal and even making controversial claims regarding the potential acquisition of Greenland and annexing parts of Canada. Additionally, there have been measures implemented to enhance domestic production of these indispensable resources.

Alexander Gray, an expert in Asian geopolitics who served as chief of staff to the U.S. national security adviser during the initial Trump term, emphasized the importance of focusing on deep-sea mining. He pointed out that China increasingly views the deep seabed as a strategic arena for both economic and military competition. Gray stated, Catalyzing U.S. government focus on areas of greatest vulnerability to the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) ambitions is essential.

The establishment of a strategic state reserve for these polymetallic nodules from the seabed is considered a pivotal step for the U.S. to catch up with China in the global race to explore the resource-rich areas of the Pacific. Just last week, China imposed export restrictions on certain rare earth elements, further illustrating its strategy to leverage these critical metals as instruments of economic coercion.

The proposed stockpile is part of a larger initiative aimed at expediting the application process for deep-sea mining under U.S. law and developing onshore processing facilities for the extracted nodules, as disclosed by sources close to the matter.

Prominent Republicans, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, have been vocal proponents of deep-sea mining during their time in Congress. Notably, last year's annual defense budget bill mandated the Department of Defense to conduct a feasibility study on refining these nodules for defense-related applications.

Its moved beyond a commercial question, remarked a House aide, underscoring the strategic implications of the situation. This is a Chinese strategic capability built up for decades such that it could be weaponized.

Under the proposed plans, the stockpile would ensure that large quantities of these minerals are readily available on U.S. territory, to be utilized in the event of a conflict with China that may hinder imports of essential metals and rare earths, according to a source knowledgeable about the efforts.

Despite the enthusiasm from top Republican figures regarding seabed exploration, the U.S. has largely remained on the sidelines in international negotiations concerning seabed mining. Notably, the country has not ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, a treaty established in 1982 that outlines the legal framework for activities related to the seabed.

In fact, discussions at the International Seabed Authority (ISA) held in Jamaica last month concluded without an endorsement for mining in international waters, as numerous countries continued to advocate for a moratorium on the practice, citing environmental concerns.

Critics of deep-sea mining argue that the process could potentially harm the poorly understood ecosystems that thrive thousands of meters beneath the ocean's surface, including unique corals and white octopuses. Furthermore, they challenge the feasibility of replicating Chinas extensive supply chain for critical minerals and competing with the low prices of Indonesian nickel.

During the ISA talks, The Metals Company, a frontrunner in the industry based in Vancouver, revealed that its U.S. subsidiary had begun the process of applying for permits to explore and mine international waters under a 1980 U.S. law. TMC's CEO, Gerard Barron, remarked to the Financial Times that the ISA does not possess an exclusive mandate to regulate mining in international waters.

In response, Jose Fernandez, a leading economic envoy under former President Joe Biden, pointed out the complexities involved, stating, You cant give rights to something you have no jurisdiction over, pursuant to a treaty you are not a part of. He cautioned that companies should tread carefully when proceeding without a permit from the ISA.

As of now, the U.S. Department of Commerce has not responded to requests for comments, and the White Houses National Security Council has likewise chosen not to provide any statements on the matter.

Illustration and data visualization by Ian Bott.