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US Nears Approval for Deep-Sea Mining Permits

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced that the United States could issue deep-sea mining permits within months. The administration aims to secure critical mineral supply chains despite environmental concerns.

By IUX24Sep 14, 2026, 10:34 PM UTC

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FILE PHOTO: U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum speaks during the ceremonial reopening of Freedom Plaza to mark "the revitalization of one of the nation's most prominent civic gathering spaces" with new statues, including controversial founding father Caesar Rodney, who was a slave owner, in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 30, 2026. REUTERS/Ken Cedeno/File Photo

The United States will issue deep-sea mining permits within months, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said during a Monday gathering in Houston. The move accelerates federal efforts to secure critical minerals used in electric vehicles and electronics. It follows an 18-month drop in domestic mineral access as China restricted vital exports.