NOAA finds TMC USA deep-sea mining application meets compliance standards

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NOAA Determines TMC USA’s Consolidated Deep-Seabed Mining Application is in Substantial Compliance

March 9, 2026 8:34 AM EDT

Determination of substantial compliance marks a key step in the U.S. regulatory process for exploration and commercial recovery of polymetallic nodules in the Clarion Clipperton ZoneTMC USAs consolidated application lodged earlier this year covers areas previously applied over in April 2025 and increases the commercial recovery area from ~25,000 to ~65,000 km2, with an estimated resource of 619 million tonnes (Mt) of wet nodules and potential exploration upside of an additional 200 MtNOAAs updated regulatory framework allows applicants with... More