President Donald J. Trump is taking significant steps to accelerate deep-sea mining in pursuit of critical minerals. An executive order, expected to be signed shortly, aims to streamline permitting processes for deep-sea mineral projects and boost the mining industry. With the U.S. seeking to enhance its resource independence, this initiative raises questions about the environmental impacts and the necessity of balancing resource extraction with ocean conservation. As debates continue on the potential risks to rare marine species and habitats, companies like TMC the metals company are seeing positive stock reactions to the prospects opened by these actions. The future of deep-sea mining remains uncertain, as legislators are encouraged to consider the opportunities and risks involved.