The ocean's deep-sea bed is scattered with ancient rocks, each about the size of a closed fist, called "polymetallic nodules.

The order seeks swift permits for mining nickel, cobalt and other minerals from the sea floor. Critics say it threatens both ocean life and global agreements.

Some deep-sea ... areas like the Azores and the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, the mineral rich stretch of international waters in the Pacific Ocean that’s the focus of deep-sea mining interests.

Environmental groups are decrying an executive order signed by President Donald Trump to expedite deep-sea mining for minerals.

The Metals Company, a Canadian deep-sea mining company, in 2022 successfully recovered roughly 3,000 tons of nodules from the seafloor, collecting data on the plume and other effects in the process.