TMC the metal company (TMC) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2024, the company reported a net loss of $16.1 million, or $0.05 per share, compared to a net loss of $33.5 million, or $0.11 per share for the same period in 2023, indicating a significant reduction in losses [66] - Exploration and evaluation expenses decreased to $8.3 million from $26.7 million in Q4 2023, primarily due to the completion of Campaign 8 and lower costs in mining technology and process development [66][67] - General and administrative expenses increased to $8.1 million from $6.6 million in Q4 2023, mainly due to higher share-based compensation and consulting costs [67] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company successfully completed its first integrated collection system test since the 1970s, lifting over 3,000 tons of nodules to the surface, and processed them into high-grade nickel-copper-cobalt alloy and manganese silicate [15] - The company has conducted 23 offshore research campaigns, significantly more than most contractors, demonstrating its commitment to environmental studies and resource evaluation [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is preparing to submit applications for commercial production under the U.S. regulatory framework, which has been in place since the 1980s, indicating a strategic shift in its operational approach [19][20] - The geopolitical landscape is shifting, with increased interest in deep-sea mining from countries like China, South Korea, Japan, and India, which could positively impact the total addressable market for the company's services [31][34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its extensive environmental data and research to pursue commercial production through the U.S. regulatory framework, which is viewed as more favorable than the current ISA process [19][42] - The focus is on responsible extraction of polymetallic nodules with minimal environmental impact, positioning the company as a leader in sustainable deep-sea mining [10][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's readiness to begin production, citing extensive environmental data and a well-designed system to minimize impacts [18][59] - The management highlighted the importance of U.S. leadership in the deep-sea mining industry, especially in light of geopolitical tensions and the need for metal independence [33][34] Other Important Information - The company has gathered nearly one petabyte of environmental data, which is one of the largest datasets compiled for deep-sea mining, supporting its application for commercial recovery [59] - The company has initiated a formal process of pre-application consultation with NOAA, which is expected to facilitate the permitting process [21][46] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on DSHMRA and license areas - Management clarified that the U.S. will argue for access to high seas under the Freedom of the Seas Treaty, and the specific areas for application are still under discussion [75][77] Question: Participation of Allseas in the U.S. application - Management confirmed that Allseas can legally participate as a partner, provided the production vessel is U.S. flagged [82] Question: Impact of NOAA process on permitting - Management indicated that the NOAA process is viewed as an advantageous new path, not a complete shift from the ISA pathway [88] Question: Timeline for economic study and application submission - Management expects the economic study to be completed in advance of the U.S. applications, which are planned for June [97] Question: Environmental impact study completion - Management stated that the environmental writing is progressing rapidly and is expected to align with the economic feasibility study [102] Question: Termination of contract with a third sponsor state - Management explained that the decision was based on prioritizing resources on more promising blocks, NORI and TAMO, which require focused investment [106][108] Question: Future revenue from service business - Management expressed optimism about the service business, highlighting the expertise built around environmental work programs and resource definition [112]