World First: TMC USA Submits Application for Commercial Recovery of Deep-Sea Minerals in the High Seas Under U.S. Seabed Mining Code

Core Viewpoint - TMC the metals company Inc. has submitted applications for a commercial recovery permit and two exploration licenses, marking a significant step towards the U.S. leadership in deep-sea mining and securing critical minerals for industrial use [1][2][12]. Group 1: Applications and Regulatory Framework - TMC USA has applied for a commercial recovery permit and two exploration licenses under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA) and NOAA regulations, which are part of the U.S. seabed mining code [1][13]. - The commercial recovery permit application covers an area of 25,160 square kilometers known as TMC USA-A_2, which includes already indicated and measured resources in the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) [4][13]. - The applications are expected to be reviewed by NOAA, with an initial determination on compliance within 30 days and a full review including environmental evaluations thereafter [7]. Group 2: Resource Estimates - TMC USA believes the exploration areas TMC USA-A and USA-B contain SEC SK 1300-compliant resources of 1,635 million wet tonnes of polymetallic nodules, with an additional estimated 500 million tonnes of potential exploration upside [5][13]. - The estimated resources include approximately 15.5 million tonnes of nickel, 12.8 million tonnes of copper, 2.0 million tonnes of cobalt, and 345 million tonnes of manganese [5][13]. Group 3: Strategic Importance and Investment Potential - The strategic move under DSHMRA is expected to mobilize tens of billions of dollars in private sector investment across various U.S. industries, including shipbuilding, port infrastructure, and minerals processing [6]. - TMC has invested over half a billion dollars in deep-sea science, engineering, and technology to prepare for this moment, aiming to deliver the world's first commercial nodule project responsibly and transparently [4][6].