TMC Advances U.S. Deep-Sea Exploration License with NOAA Environmental Impact Statement

TMC the metals company announced that the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has published a Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for its subsidiary's deep-sea exploration license application. This is a key regulatory milestone for the company's proposed activities in the Clarion Clipperton Zone of the Pacific Ocean.

Key Details

• Regulatory Action: NOAA will prepare an EIS for the exploration license application submitted by The Metals Company USA LLC under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act.
• Application Area (USA-B): The area covers approximately 122,000 km² and is estimated to contain 1.02 billion tonnes of polymetallic nodules with high grades of nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese.
• Next Steps: The publication of the Notice of Intent initiates the formal EIS process, which will include a draft EIS for public comment, followed by a final determination on the issuance of the exploration license.