USA B Exploration License Application

certified

The Metals Company USA LLC (TMC USA) submitted an exploration license application for the USA B area, covering approximately 122,000 km2 of seafloor containing an estimated 1.02 billion tonnes of polymetallic nodules with high grades of nickel, cobalt, copper, manganese, and several rare earth elements. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has formally certified this application, marking a key milestone in the regulatory approval process. NOAA will now begin preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the planned exploration activities in the USA B area. The certification follows NOAA's recent determination that TMC USA's consolidated application for an exploration license and commercial recovery permit for the USA A area is in full compliance with the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA) and its regulations.