WASHINGTON () President Donald Trump signed an executive order to fast-track deep-sea mining off the U.S. coast Thursday, aiming to unlock billions of dollars worth of minerals like nickel, copper and cobalt buried beneath the waves.

The Trump administration claims these resources could strengthen national defense and create more than 100,000 jobs.

This would mark the first time large-scale deep-sea mining is authorized in the U.S. The executive order directs Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to expedite the permitting process for commercial undersea exploration and mining. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum is also tasked with launching a program to allow mining operations offshore.

An administration official said the list of minerals, which includes manganese, cobalt, nickel and copper, is essential for manufacturing things such as batteries and steel.

Order aims to break China’s minerals dominance

However, the executive order is facing backlash from critics who argue that fast-tracking the mining of these minerals could potentially be dangerous without necessary federal oversight.

China has warned that the move may violate international law.

Additionally, the environmental organization Greenpeace USA issued a sharp rebuke, saying, “Authorizing deep-sea mining outside international law is like lighting a match in a room full of dynamite it threatens ecosystems, global cooperation, and U.S. credibility all at once.”

The White House says the initiative is part of a broader effort to counter China’s growing control over seabed mineral resources.