Regulatory milestone for deep-sea critical minerals in the U.S.

The U.S. has just taken a decisive step toward accelerating access to critical minerals from the deep seabed.

Regulatory change

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has informed that it has officially finalized long-awaited revisions to the permitting framework under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA), a move that fundamentally modernizes how exploration and commercial recovery permits are issued.

For the first time since DSHMRA was enacted in 1980, eligible applicants now have flexibility in how they apply:

• Continue with the traditional two-step process (exploration license → recovery permit), or
• Use the new consolidated application, allowing both approvals to be reviewed and issued simultaneously

This reform eliminates unnecessary regulatory friction while preserving the intent and scope of the original law. Following public consultation, NOAA clarified regulatory language, without changing the rule’s core objectives.

Unlocking a domestic source of critical minerals

NOAA leader Dr. Neil Jacobs said: “Deep seabed mining is key to unlocking a domestic source of critical minerals for the United States.” He has added” „This consolidation modernizes the law and supports the America First agenda by enabling U.S. companies to access these resources more quickly, strengthening our nation’s economic resilience and advancing the discovery and use of critical seafloor minerals”

The final rule, now published in the Federal Register, represents a concrete implementation of the April 24, 2025 Executive Order “Unleashing America’s Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources”, issued under POTUS Donald Trump.

Why it’s bigger than permitting

This change signals a broader strategic shift, positioning the U.S. to secure critical mineral supply chains, strengthen economic resilience, and compete globally in next-generation resource development beyond national jurisdiction.

How it’s ends?

Will this regulatory streamlining accelerate responsible deep-seabed exploration, or open the door to a new phase of geopolitical competition for offshore minerals?