Trump on Thursday sought to fast-track the pursuit of strategically important minerals such as nickel, copper and rare earth elements from the seabed in U.S. and international waters. The order, which critics say contradicts global efforts to adopt regulation,

Dozens of countries have called for a moratorium on seabed mining, and have urged restraint until an international authority agrees on rules for the practice.

President Donald Trump is trying to fast track a brand new, highly controversial industry – mining critical minerals in the deep sea.