Unleashing America’s Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources

4/24/2025

Executive Orders

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Action Summary

National Security and Economic Interests: Emphasizes the United States’ need to lead in deep sea science and technology, secure access to critical seabed mineral resources, and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
Accelerated Seabed Mineral Development: Directs rapid development of domestic capabilities for exploration, characterization, collection, and processing of seabed minerals, including streamlined permitting while upholding environmental and transparency standards.
Investment in Science and Technology: Supports deep sea science, advanced mapping, and technology efforts to bolster the understanding and development of seabed resources.
Interagency Coordination: Enhances collaboration among executive departments (Commerce, Interior, Energy, Defense, and others) to coordinate exploration, licensing, permit reviews, and regulatory adjustments.
Global Leadership and Partnership Building: Establishes a U.S. commitment to lead responsible seabed mineral exploration globally, partnering with allies and interested nations, and countering China’s influence over these resources.
Supply Chain and Economic Growth: Aims to create a robust domestic supply chain for critical minerals to support reindustrialization, military preparedness, defense infrastructure, and energy sectors.
Expedited Licensing and Reporting:
- Secretary of Commerce: To expedite seabed exploration licenses and recovery permits, and provide detailed reports on private sector opportunities and mapping priority areas.
- Secretary of Interior: To streamline permits and leases for seabed mineral exploration and identify minerals essential for key sectors.
- Defense and Energy Secretaries: To assess use of the National Defense Stockpile for seabed-derived materials and review regulations to support domestic processing capabilities.
- Finance and Development Agencies: To report on tools supporting both domestic and international seabed mineral initiatives.
International Engagement and Benefit-Sharing: Involves engaging with key partners and allies in exploration and potential benefit-sharing mechanisms for seabed mineral extraction beyond national jurisdictions.
Definitions and Legal Provisions: Clarifies the meaning of critical terms such as “mineral,” “seabed mineral resources,” and “processing,” and reasserts that the order does not impair existing legal authorities or benefits enforceable by any party.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order emphasizes the development of seabed mineral resources, which could lead to increased competition for research funding and partnerships in marine science and technology. Vanderbilt University may need to consider strategic collaborations to remain competitive in this field.
There is a potential environmental risk associated with seabed mining activities. Vanderbilt’s environmental science programs may need to address these concerns through research and advocacy, ensuring that environmental standards are not compromised.
The focus on critical minerals for national security and economic prosperity may shift federal research priorities and funding towards mineral extraction technologies, potentially impacting funding availability for other research areas at Vanderbilt.
Vanderbilt University may need to evaluate its curriculum and research focus in fields related to marine science, mineral extraction, and environmental policy to align with the national emphasis on seabed mineral resources.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering could see increased demand for expertise in mineral extraction technologies and deep-sea exploration, presenting opportunities for research and development projects.
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences may need to expand its research focus on the environmental impacts of seabed mining and develop strategies to mitigate potential ecological damage.
The Office of Research might need to adjust its funding strategies to align with new federal priorities in seabed mineral resource development and secure grants related to this field.
Vanderbilt’s partnerships with international research institutions could be strengthened by engaging in collaborative projects focused on seabed mineral exploration and environmental monitoring.

Financial Impact

The reallocation of federal funds towards seabed mineral resource development could impact the funding landscape for other research areas, necessitating adjustments in grant application strategies and partnerships at Vanderbilt.
There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research in marine science, mineral extraction technologies, and environmental policy, particularly through collaborations with federal agencies and industry partners.
As the focus on seabed mineral resources grows, there could be a shift in the demographics of students applying to Vanderbilt, potentially affecting tuition revenue and financial aid distribution.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks typically involving compliance or ethics, with potential impacts on research priorities and funding opportunities.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering should explore opportunities to collaborate on research and development in deep sea science and technology. By engaging in projects related to seabed mineral exploration and processing technologies, the school can contribute to advancements in this field and potentially secure funding for innovative research initiatives.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments in seabed mineral resource policies and engage with relevant federal agencies to understand potential impacts on research funding and collaboration opportunities. This proactive approach will help Vanderbilt align its strategic priorities with national interests in seabed mineral development.
Vanderbilt’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences should consider conducting research on the environmental impacts of seabed mineral extraction. By providing evidence-based insights, the department can contribute to the development of responsible extraction practices and influence policy discussions on environmental standards.
The Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization should assess the potential for commercializing technologies related to seabed mineral processing and environmental monitoring. By identifying viable technologies, the center can facilitate partnerships with industry and government agencies to bring these innovations to market.
Vanderbilt’s Law School should explore the legal and regulatory implications of seabed mineral resource development. By analyzing international and domestic legal frameworks, the law school can provide valuable guidance on compliance and risk management for entities involved in seabed mineral activities.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering to lead in the development of new technologies for seabed mineral exploration and processing. By leveraging its expertise, the school can position itself as a key player in this emerging field and attract research funding and partnerships.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the focus on international partnerships by establishing collaborations with universities and research institutions in countries with interests in seabed mineral resources. This could enhance Vanderbilt’s global research network and provide access to unique research opportunities.
The emphasis on creating a robust domestic supply chain for critical minerals offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management to engage in research and education on supply chain management and economic impacts. By providing insights into efficient supply chain strategies, the school can contribute to national discussions on economic growth and reindustrialization.
By engaging with policymakers and industry leaders, Vanderbilt can position itself as a thought leader in the national conversation on seabed mineral resource development. Hosting conferences, workshops, and public forums on the implications of these policies can further establish Vanderbilt as a hub for innovative thought and practice in this area.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents the potential for major process changes required for Vanderbilt’s programs due to opportunities in research, collaboration, and commercialization in seabed mineral development.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.8

Timeline for Implementation

Within 60 days of April 24, 2025.

Relevance Score: 3

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of Commerce: Charged with expediting the licensing and permitting process for seabed mineral exploration and ensuring efficient coordination with other agencies.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): Operating under the Department of Commerce to assist in the exploration, mapping, and data collection of seabed resources.
Department of State: Involved in consultations and international engagements to secure partnerships and support for seabed mineral development in foreign jurisdictions.
Department of the Interior: Tasked with establishing an expedited process for reviewing and approving permits for seabed mineral resource exploration within the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf, in coordination with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
Department of Energy: Responsible for coordinating on the development of domestic processing capabilities and supporting the secure supply chain for critical minerals.
Department of Defense: Charged with reviewing strategies for using the National Defense Stockpile and engaging in assessments related to the defense implications of seabed mineral resources, in coordination with the Strategic and Critical Materials Board.
National Energy Dominance Council: Its Chair and Vice Chair are recipients of joint reports on energy and mineral resource strategies, underpinning policy and industrial support decisions.
Assistant to the President for Economic Policy: Receives critical analysis reports that integrate economic policy considerations with seabed mineral resource development.
United States International Development Finance Corporation: Along with other financial agencies, tasked with providing tools and strategies to support domestic and international seabed mineral exploration and processing.
Export-Import Bank of the United States: Partnered to explore financial instruments that support seabed mineral resource initiatives.
Trade and Development Agency: Involved in identifying and facilitating international commercial opportunities related to seabed mineral exploration and development.

Relevance Score: 4 (Eleven to fifteen agencies are impacted by this directive.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary of Commerce – Responsible for expediting the review and issuance of seabed mineral exploration licenses and commercial recovery permits; coordinating with the Administrator of NOAA, the Secretary of State, and the Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management; and developing reports on private sector interests and mapping plans for priority seabed areas.
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – Acting under the direction of the Secretary of Commerce to facilitate the regulatory process for seabed mineral exploration licenses and commercial permits.
Secretary of the Interior – Charged with establishing an expedited permitting process for prospecting and lease approvals on the United States Outer Continental Shelf, as well as identifying critical minerals from seabed resources in coordination with the Secretaries of Defense and Energy.
Secretary of Defense – Tasked with reporting on the feasibility of using the National Defense Stockpile for materials derived from seabed nodules and ensuring that critical material considerations are integrated into the Strategic and Critical Materials Board’s recommendations.
Secretary of Energy – Responsible, in coordination with other officials, for supporting domestic processing capabilities and exploring financing and regulatory mechanisms for seabed mineral resources.
Secretary of State – Involved through consultation and coordination in the development of mapping, international engagement, and report preparation, ensuring that international partnerships and responsible seabed exploration are advanced.
Chief Executive Officer of the United States International Development Finance Corporation, President of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, and Director of the Trade and Development Agency (plus heads of other relevant agencies) – Mandated to jointly report on tools to support domestic and international seabed mineral resource exploration, extraction, processing, and environmental monitoring.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect multiple Cabinet-level officials and agency heads, indicating a high strategic impact on national security and economic policy.)