American Metal, a subsidiary of TMC the metals company Inc., announced that the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has certified two of its deep-sea mineral exploration applications. The certification advances the company’s plan to develop a domestic source of critical minerals.
The applications cover a large area of the Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean. The area contains polymetallic nodules rich in nickel, cobalt, copper and manganese.
The next step is an environmental review, including preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement, before exploration licenses can be formally issued.