2025-23795: Deep Seabed Mining: Notice of Receipt of Applications for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses and Announcement of Public Comment Period and Virtual Public Hearings

Summary

Pursuant to the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA or the Act), notice is hereby given that NOAA received, on July 27, 2025, an amended application from The Metals Company USA, LLC (TMC USA) for a license to conduct seabed mining exploration activities within the seabed area beyond national jurisdiction generally known as the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (TMC USA Application A). NOAA received a second amended application from TMC USA on July 28, 2025 (TMC USA Application B). NOAA has determined that these applications are fully compliant with the applicable information requirements of DSHMRA and the Act's implementing regulations. Subject to applicable public disclosure limitations, interested persons are afforded the opportunity to examine the materials relevant to these applications and may submit written comments to NOAA electronically via the instructions below. These applications are electronically available at the locations listed below under ADDRESSES. Please note that the statements made in the TMC USA applications do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA or the views of the U.S. Government. As part of the application review process, NOAA will also hold two virtual public hearings to receive oral public comments on these applications.

The agency’s own summary, as published.