World First: TMC and PAMCO Achieve a New Nodule Processing Milestone, Unlocking Critical Energy & Steelmaking Materials at Existing Facilities

Core Insights - TMC has successfully produced high-grade nickel-copper-cobalt alloy and manganese silicate from deep-seafloor polymetallic nodules during a smelting campaign, marking a significant milestone in its feasibility program [1][2][3] Group 1: Production and Processing - The company processed a 2,000-tonne sample of nodules at PAMCO's facility in Japan, utilizing a 3,000 kVA DC electric-arc furnace to produce the alloy and silicate [2][9] - The smelting campaign lasted 14 days, during which approximately 450 tonnes of calcine material were processed, confirming the feasibility of integrating nodule processing into existing metallurgical operations [2][9] - The manganese silicate produced is intended for use in steelmaking, offering significant cost advantages over conventional manganese ores [9] Group 2: Strategic Partnerships and Future Plans - TMC's collaboration with PAMCO allows the company to leverage existing processing capacity, avoiding high costs associated with building new plants, thus saving billions in capital expenditures [2][4] - The successful completion of the processing feasibility study positions TMC to submit the world's first exploitation application for commercial nodule production in international waters [3][9] - A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in November 2023 between TMC and PAMCO to process 1.3 million tonnes of wet polymetallic nodules annually, further solidifying their partnership [4][9] Group 3: Company Vision and Mission - TMC aims to supply lower-impact battery metals for the global energy transition while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and society [5] - The company holds exploration and commercial rights to three polymetallic nodule contract areas in the Clarion Clipperton Zone, regulated by the International Seabed Authority [5]