NOAA finds TMC USA's consolidated 65,000 km2 nodule application in substantial compliance

The Metals Company/TMC USA nodule recovery (Clarion-Clipperton Zone)

NOAA determined that TMC USA's combined application for an exploration licence and commercial recovery permit met the basic requirements of the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act. The application covers about 65,000 km2 of the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, up from about 25,000 km2 in the April 2025 filing.

• First application under NOAA's new combined exploration-plus-recovery process.
• Substantial compliance is a procedural step, not a permit.
• Covers international waters between Hawaii and Mexico.