Anti-deep sea mining advocates warn Trump's fast-track order circumvents long-standing international sea laws by providing an alternative path to mine the seabed.

The Metals Company, which has been trying for years to exploit battery materials strewn across the ocean floor, announced today that it has applied for a permit from the Trump administration to start commercially mining in international waters.

President Donald Trump wants federal agencies to fast-track applications for deep-sea mining in an effort to make the United States a global leader in the nascent industry.