The Metals Company Aims to Revolutionize Supply Chain with Deep-Sea Mining
The Metals Company (TMC) anticipates that deep-sea mining of polymetallic nodules will significantly impact the metals supply chain by 2030. TMC's efforts are driven by U.S. policies aimed at mineral independence and environmental benefits of seabed extraction, as they prepare for production in early 2028.
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The Metals Company (TMC) plans to start deep-sea mining operations in early 2028, targeting polymetallic nodules rich in copper, nickel, cobalt, and manganese. TMC has submitted an application for exploitation rights to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and invested $750 million in environmental assessments and exploration.
The U.S. has established mining regulations for seabed minerals since 1980, leading TMC to claim it is the only firm ready to seek commercial recovery permits. TMC projects a production capacity of 3 million mt/year using modified offshore drilling vessels, aiming to produce nickel sulfate, cobalt sulfate, copper cathode, and manganese silicate.
The company asserts its operations will have lower environmental impacts compared to terrestrial mining and is preparing to set up processing facilities in Texas, contingent on government support. The shift to seabed mining could enhance U.S. mineral independence, reducing reliance on imports.
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