Bending to industry, Donald Trump issues executive order to “expedite” deep sea mining

The Verge - Apr 26th, 2025
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Donald Trump has signed an executive order aiming to expedite the mining of critical minerals from the ocean floor, both within US and international waters. This decision, which bypasses the International Seabed Authority's regulatory process, is intended to counter China's influence over seabed resources. Critics, including environmental groups and international law experts, warn that this move could have severe impacts on marine ecosystems and violate international law. Companies like The Metals Company and Impossible Metals are poised to capitalize on this directive, seeking permits for deep-sea exploration.

The executive order has sparked international controversy, with over 30 countries advocating for a moratorium on deep-sea mining until adequate regulations are in place. Critics argue that the environmental impacts are not well understood and could be irreversible, affecting marine biodiversity and coastal economies. The action also highlights geopolitical tensions, as Trump aims to reduce dependency on China for critical minerals used in rechargeable batteries, amid warnings from experts about potential global ecological consequences.

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RATING

6.2
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and largely accurate overview of President Trump's executive order on deep-sea mining, effectively highlighting both the administration's objectives and the criticisms from environmental and international groups. While the article draws on credible sources, its reliance on advocacy group statements and the lack of direct quotes from primary sources limit its source quality. The article is clear and engaging, though it could benefit from greater transparency and more diverse perspectives to enhance its balance and depth. Overall, the article addresses a topic of significant public interest with potential implications for environmental policy, international law, and global geopolitics.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article presents a largely accurate account of President Trump's executive order on deep-sea mining, with key claims supported by credible sources such as the White House and NOAA. For instance, the article accurately states that Trump signed an executive order to expedite deep-sea mining in U.S. and international waters, which is confirmed by official documents. However, certain claims, such as the involvement of specific companies like The Metals Company and Impossible Metals, lack direct corroboration from the sources provided. Additionally, the article mentions China's response to the executive order, quoting a BBC report, but this specific claim requires further verification as it is not directly supported by the sources available.

6
Balance

The article provides a balanced view by presenting both the administration's rationale for the executive order and the criticisms from environmental groups and international bodies. It highlights the administration's intent to counter China's influence and expedite mineral extraction, while also discussing the potential environmental impacts and legal concerns raised by critics. However, the article could improve balance by including more perspectives from industry experts or neutral third-party analysts to provide a fuller picture of the implications of deep-sea mining.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the key points. It effectively differentiates between the administration's objectives and the criticisms from various stakeholders. However, some sections could benefit from more precise language, particularly when discussing complex legal and environmental issues. Simplifying these explanations or providing additional context would aid reader comprehension.

6
Source quality

The article references credible sources such as official statements from the White House and NOAA, which lend authority to its claims. However, it also relies on statements from advocacy groups and critics, which, while important, may introduce bias. The lack of direct quotes from primary sources like the International Seabed Authority or independent industry experts affects the overall source quality. Providing a wider range of authoritative sources would enhance the article's reliability.

5
Transparency

The article provides a reasonable level of transparency by explaining the context of the executive order and the ongoing international debate over deep-sea mining. However, it does not clearly disclose the methodology or basis for some claims, such as the specific environmental impacts or the legal arguments against the executive order. Greater transparency in how these conclusions were reached, perhaps by citing specific studies or legal analyses, would improve the article's transparency.

Sources

  1. https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/04/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-unleashes-americas-offshore-critical-minerals-and-resources/
  2. https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/next-gold-rush-president-trump-unlocks-access-to-critical-deep-seabed-minerals
  3. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/unleashing-americas-offshore-critical-minerals-and-resources/
  4. https://www.csis.org/analysis/trumps-deep-sea-mining-executive-order-race-critical-minerals-enters-uncharted-waters
  5. https://www.axios.com/2025/04/24/trump-looks-to-quickly-develop-deep-sea-mineral-extraction