NOAA Eyes Deep Ocean Mining: License for Seabed Gold Rush?
Published Date: 8/19/2026
Notice
Summary
NOAA has received a consolidated application for a license to conduct seabed mining exploration activities and a permit to conduct commercial recovery activities that is fully compliant with the applicable information requirements of the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA or the Act) and the Act's implementing regulations. As part of the application review process, NOAA will hold one virtual public hearing on The Metal Company USA, LLC's (TMC USA) consolidated application and will accept written comments on the application submitted electronically via the instructions below.
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