The Metals Company (TMC), a Canadian firm, is actively pursuing deep-sea mining permits through the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in 2025. This move allows TMC to potentially bypass the International Seabed Authority (ISA), which has been slow in finalizing its mining code.
TMC's U.S. subsidiary, TMC USA, has formally submitted applications for a commercial recovery permit and two exploration licenses under the U.S. Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA). These applications cover areas within the Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean, known for its polymetallic nodules rich in nickel, copper, cobalt, and manganese.
The company's actions have drawn criticism from environmental groups and the ISA, with concerns raised about potential ecological damage and the disregard for international law. Despite these concerns, TMC believes the U.S. offers a more stable and transparent regulatory path for deep-sea mining.