U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order on Thursday to boost the deep-sea mining industry, the latest attempt to tap international deposits of nickel, copper and other critical minerals used widely across the economy.

President Trump signed an executive order to boost the U.S. deep-sea mining industry for critical minerals. Supporters say deep-sea mining could boost the U.S. economy and reduce reliance on land-based mines, while environmental groups warn of biodiversity loss. The move comes amid U.S. efforts to decrease reliance on China for critical minerals.