Deep Sea Minerals Corp. Provides Strategic Update on Cook Islands and U.S. NOAA Pathways as U.S. Accelerates Offshore Critical Minerals Policy and Expands Supply-Chain Investment

Core Viewpoint - Deep Sea Minerals Corp. is actively pursuing offshore critical minerals initiatives in the Cook Islands and the United States, leveraging recent regulatory changes and partnerships to enhance its strategic positioning in the critical minerals sector [1][2][3]. Corporate Strategy: United States (NOAA / DSHMRA) - The company is advancing its offshore critical mineral initiatives in the U.S. through permitting pathways under NOAA, which recently revised the DSHMRA permitting process to modernize and consolidate it [2][5]. - A federally funded hydrographic survey covering over 30,000 square nautical miles off American Samoa is part of the U.S. Offshore Critical Minerals Mapping Plan, indicating a shift towards a more structured permitting environment [2][6]. - The U.S. regulatory framework is seen as distinct due to its integration with supply chain policy and national security priorities, prompting the company to allocate capital for regulatory engagement and procedural readiness [2][4]. Corporate Strategy: Cook Islands (Exclusive Economic Zone) - The company is also pursuing initiatives in the Cook Islands EEZ, which has a well-established seabed mineral regulatory framework supported by scientific assessments [3][10]. - A formal cooperation framework between the Cook Islands Government and the U.S. on critical minerals was established in February 2026, aligning with U.S. policy objectives [3][12]. - The Cook Islands' licensing regime and extensive baseline datasets provide a structured environment for offshore mineral activities, consistent with the company's disciplined approach [3][11]. Industry Developments - Recent industry reports indicate increased attention to NOAA-administered pathways, suggesting that the U.S. regulatory channel is becoming a focal point for offshore critical minerals strategy [13]. - The U.S. has initiated "Project Vault," a $12 billion initiative aimed at strengthening strategic mineral resilience through stockpiling and supply chain measures, reflecting a heightened policy focus on securing critical mineral access [8][14]. Broader Market Context - A U.S.-led initiative to create a critical minerals trade bloc involving approximately 55 countries aims to counter China's dominance in the sector, proposing coordinated price floors and adjustable tariffs to stabilize markets [14]. - The U.S. administration's actions, including Project Vault, are designed to enhance supply chain resilience and reduce reliance on foreign processing capacity [14][15]. OTCQB Uplisting - The company has graduated from the OTC Pink Market to the OTCQB Venture Market, which is expected to enhance visibility and liquidity for investors [16][17].