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Executive Order: Unleashing America's Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources
Issued on April 24, 2025, Executive Order 14285 establishes a federal strategy to accelerate seabed mineral extraction, specifically targeting materials like nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements for defense and energy needs.
Key Objectives and Mandates
- Expedited Permitting: Directs NOAA and BOEM to fast-track exploration and recovery licenses in the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf and international waters.
- Strategic Reserve: Supports the “Project Vault” initiative to reduce reliance on foreign, particularly Chinese, supply chains.
- International Leadership: Aims to establish U.S. standards for mining, positioning it as a leader against the International Seabed Authority.
Implementation and Industry Impact
- Agency Action: Mandates federal reports on commercial capacity and mapping within 60 days.
- Commercial Activity: The Metals Company (TMC) submitted the first commercial recovery application under DSHMRA in May 2025.
- Legislative Support: Congress introduced bills, such as H.R. 3803 and H.R. 4018, to codify the executive order.
- Funding: Utilizes the Defense Production Act and Export-Import Bank financing for domestic processing.
