Regulatory Milestones for U.S. Seabed Mining
Key Questions
What regulatory approvals has NOAA granted for U.S. seabed mining?
NOAA approved TMC USA's exploration license, with an EIS underway, along with a second license. Deep Sea Minerals received a substantial compliance determination, and AOMC's Area-1 application was deemed substantially compliant under DSHMRA.
What legal risks are associated with U.S. seabed mining activities?
TMC subsidiaries NORI and TOML filed ITLOS claims against the ISA on July 2, while Greenpeace has backed a challenge to the Allseas contract. The ISA is seeking an advisory opinion from the Seabed Disputes Chamber that could constrain U.S. unilateral mining under DSHMRA.
What is the latest development regarding NORI's contract with the ISA?
The ISA Council is considering a draft decision on NORI's contract extension under ISBA/31/C/L.9, signaling continued engagement with existing contractors and positive sector momentum.
NOAA approved TMC USA's exploration license (EIS underway) and a second license; Deep Sea Minerals received substantial compliance determination. AOMC's Area-1 application deemed substantially compliant under DSHMRA. Eco Minerals filed a consolidated application for exploration license and commercial recovery permit under streamlined process. TMC targets commercial recovery permit by Q1 2027 and commissioning Q4 2025 with Allseas funding. Legal risks escalated: TMC subsidiaries NORI/TOML filed ITLOS claims against ISA on 2 July, Greenpeace-backed challenge to Allseas contract, and ISA seeking advisory opinion from Seabed Disputes Chamber. A new legal analysis reveals the ISA's proposed advisory opinion is strategically framed to constrain U.S. unilateral mining under DSHMRA by imposing non-recognition obligations on UNCLOS parties, creating commercial risks for U.S.-licensed operators. A new U.S. rule aims to speed up deep seabed mining. Expert insights on low natural radioactivity reduce one environmental concern. A Motley Fool piece highlights permitting progress. A new academic legal analysis dissects UNCLOS Article 139 obligations. A recent financial news piece reinforces streamlined permitting under Executive Order 14285. New development: the ISA Council is considering a draft decision on NORI's contract extension (ISBA/31/C/L.9), signaling continued engagement with existing contractors and positive sector momentum. TMC CFO held a special call on July 15, 2026, discussing project progress.