The Metals Company Applies for U.S. Deep-Sea Mining License

On April 29, 2025, The Metals Company (TMC), a Canadian firm specializing in seabed mineral exploration, submitted applications to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for a commercial recovery permit and two exploration licenses under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA). This move marks the first time a company has sought U.S. authorization to mine the deep seabed in international waters, specifically targeting a 25,160-square-kilometer area in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) of the Pacific Ocean, rich in polymetallic nodules containing nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese.

The application follows an executive order issued by President Donald Trump on April 24, 2025, titled "Unleashing America’s Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources," which directs federal agencies to expedite the permitting process for offshore mineral extraction to bolster U.S. industrial resilience and reduce dependence on foreign sources.

TMC's approach has sparked international controversy, as the United States is not a party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and thus not a member of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the body traditionally responsible for regulating mineral activities in international waters. The ISA has expressed concerns that unilateral actions by non-member states could undermine international legal frameworks and lead to legal, diplomatic, and environmental risks.

Environmental groups and scientists have also raised alarms, warning that deep-sea mining could cause irreversible damage to marine ecosystems. Critics argue that bypassing the ISA's regulatory process sets a dangerous precedent and could lead to a "race to the bottom" in exploiting the ocean's resources without adequate environmental safeguards.

NOAA is expected to make an initial determination on whether TMC's applications meet regulatory requirements within 60 days. If deemed complete, a comprehensive environmental and technical review will follow, potentially setting the stage for the first U.S.-authorized deep-sea mining operation in international waters.