TMC the metal company (TMC) Newsfilter·2025-03-27 20:01Core Viewpoint - TMC the metals company Inc. is advancing its efforts to secure exploration licenses and commercial recovery permits for deep-sea mineral resources under the U.S. Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act of 1980, believing that the U.S. regulatory framework offers a stable and predictable path for development [1][2][3]. Group 1: Regulatory Framework - TMC USA has initiated a formal process with NOAA to apply for exploration licenses and commercial recovery permits, citing the U.S. seabed mining code as the most favorable for timely permit acquisition [1][2]. - The Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA) was enacted in 1980, granting NOAA the authority to regulate exploration and recovery activities in international waters, with implementing regulations established in 1981 and 1989 [6]. - NOAA's approach to regulation is science-based and flexible, allowing for necessary trade-offs while ensuring environmental protection [6]. Group 2: Company Commitment and Strategy - Over the past decade, the company has invested over $500 million to develop its nodule resource and has created the largest environmental dataset on the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) [3]. - The company is encouraged by the growing recognition in Washington of the strategic importance of deep-sea minerals for America's supply chain and is moving forward with urgency in its application process [3][5]. - TMC USA expects to submit applications to NOAA in the second quarter of 2025, reflecting its commitment to responsible development and environmental stewardship [3][5]. Group 3: Environmental Considerations - The company has designed an offshore collection system aimed at minimizing environmental impacts and has adhered to all necessary steps required by the International Seabed Authority [3]. - NOAA has developed a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for the CCZ, ensuring that environmental permitting decisions are based on comprehensive data [6].