TMC USA Files First Consolidated Deep-Seabed Mining Application, Increasing Expected Commercial Recovery Permit Area to 65,000 km2

Core Viewpoint - TMC the metals company Inc. has submitted a consolidated application to NOAA for an exploration license and commercial recovery permit for polymetallic nodules in the Clarion Clipperton Zone, marking a significant step in the company's efforts to expand its critical minerals project [1][2][3] Group 1: Application Details - The application covers an area of approximately 65,000 km² for exploration and commercial recovery, an increase from the previous 25,000 km² area applied for in April 2025 [2][6] - The estimated resource includes over 800 million tonnes of nodules containing high-grade nickel, copper, cobalt, and manganese, with a metal grade of approximately 3.2% nickel equivalent and 7% copper equivalent [3][6] Group 2: Scientific and Environmental Basis - The application is supported by extensive prior work, including multi-year environmental baseline studies and resource assessments, as well as data from 27 offshore resource and environmental research cruises [3][4][6] - Newly published peer-reviewed research indicates that biodiversity and sediment plume impacts are confined to the mined area, providing a scientifically grounded basis for scaling commercial operations [4][6] Group 3: Development Approach - The application outlines a phased development approach, starting with recovery activities in areas where nodules and habitats have been characterized, and where test mining has been completed [5][6] - Previous activities include the successful collection of 3,000 tonnes of polymetallic nodules and comprehensive environmental monitoring [5][6] Group 4: Regulatory Context - NOAA has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of deep seabed mining impacts since the 1970s, and the new consolidated application process is expected to reduce permitting timelines for companies with completed exploration programs [6][7] - The application aligns with Executive Order 14285, which aims to enhance the recovery of critical offshore minerals [6]