Several companies, including The Metals Company (TMC), are pushing forward with plans to explore and mine metals from the Pacific seabed, seeking support from former President Trump to expedite access to these resources. TMC has initiated the process for obtaining a U.S. exploration license and is planning to apply for deep-sea mining permits under existing U.S. legislation. The ongoing international discussions regarding deep-sea mining regulations have led some companies to consider bypassing UN processes to facilitate their operations. As the deep-sea mining industry navigates an unclear regulatory landscape, the demand for critical metals continues to rise, prompting further lobbying efforts and permit applications.