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olivLaw · US equity research

TMC the metals company Inc. TMC

Metal Mining · SIC 1000 · Vertical: Metal Mining (SIC 1000)

2.31USD0.00% · 1 dayClose 04 Nov 2026

TMC is a deep seabed minerals developer aiming to collect and process polymetallic nodules from the Clarion Clipperton Zone. The company is in the development stage, with a permit application under review at NOAA and estimated resources in its application areas totalling approximately 1.639 billion wet tonnes, so the authorisation process is central to the project's future.

At the close of 04 Nov 2026, TMC the metals company Inc. (TMC) stock was 2.31 USD (+0.00% on the day), with market capitalisation 1.0 bn USD, P/E 4.2 on diluted EPS of 0.55 USD over the last 12 months, beta 2.13, 52-week range 2.31–9.44 USD. Latest reported quarter (Q2 2026): net income of -60.1 m USD, diluted EPS 0.14 USD.

Data as of · AI analysis dated · Source: SEC filings and closing prices, computed by olivLaw.

Market cap
1.0 bn USD
shares as of 11 Aug 2026
P/E (TTM)
4.2
Diluted EPS TTM 0.55 · TTM to 30 Jun 2026
E/P (TTM)
23.97%
TTM to 30 Jun 2026
Dividend yield
unavailable
Beta (2y)
2.13
Volatility (1y) 92%
52-week range
2.319.44

Price history

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Technical reading

RSI (14)
30.1
weak (30–45)
Bollinger (20, 2)
2.08 – 3.26
in the lower half of the band · %B 0.19 · band width 44.1%
SMA 50 / 200
3.54 / 4.83
downtrend (price < SMA50 < SMA200)
MACD (12, 26, 9)
-0.32 / -0.33
MACD above signal

Indicators describe past prices; on their own they do not predict direction. On our history the RSI ≤ 40 filter added no return (see the signals methodology).

Performance

CompanyS&P 500vs S&P 500Vertical median
1 month−38.7%−1.1%−37.6 pp—
3 months−42.5%−0.5%−42.1 pp—
6 months−62.5%+4.4%−66.9 pp—
Year to date−62.6%+12.3%−74.9 pp—
1 year−61.4%+13.5%−75.0 pp−9.4%
3 years+113.9%+76.4%+37.5 pp+67.8%
5 years−27.8%+63.7%−91.5 pp—
Max drawdown (1y)
−75.5%
23 Jan 2026 → 03 Nov 2026
Max drawdown (5y)
−85.9%
19 Nov 2021 → 23 Dec 2022
Compound annual growth (5y)
−6.3%
S&P 500 +10.4%

Price returns, dividends excluded.

Quarterly results

Latest quarter: Q2 2026 · 30 Jun 2026

Revenue
unavailable USD
unavailable YoY
Net income
-60.1 m USD
unavailable YoY
Diluted EPS
0.14
−30.0% YoY
net / operating
unavailable / unavailable

Quarterly margins

Quarterly statements · USD

Fiscal yearQ3 '24Q4 '24Q1 '25Q2 '25Q3 '25Q4 '25Q1 '26Q2 '26
Operating income-20.0 m-16.3 m-18.0 m-22.0 m-55.4 m-44.7 m-34.0 m-71.7 m
Interest expense125.0 k ≈266.0 k558.0 k-430.0 k ≈————
Pre-tax income-20.5 m-16.0 m-20.6 m-74.3 m-184.4 m-40.4 m-20.6 m-60.0 m
Income tax————123.0 k21.0 k44.0 k116.0 k
Net income-20.5 m-16.1 m-20.6 m-74.3 m-184.5 m-40.4 m-20.6 m-60.1 m
Diluted EPS0.06-0.05 ≈0.060.200.46-0.10 ≈0.050.14
Operating cash flow-5.8 m ≈-13.7 m-9.3 m-10.7 m ≈-11.5 m ≈-11.4 m-615.0 k-20.1 m ≈
Capex50.0 k ≈50.0 k70.0 k50.0 k ≈20.0 k ≈105.0 k35.0 k33.0 k ≈

≈ derived quarter (cumulative difference / share-days average)

E/P over time

E/P = trailing-12-month diluted EPS / price at quarter end. E/P is the inverse of P/E and stays defined when earnings are negative.

Today's P/E sits at the 0 percentile of its own 13-quarter history (min 4.4, median 9.9, max 35.8; quarters with earnings only).

Fiscal years

Fiscal year2019202020212022202320242025
Revenueunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailable
Revenue YoYunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailable
Net income-9.0 k-56.6 m-141.3 m-171.0 m-73.8 m-81.9 m-319.8 m
Net income YoYunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailable
Diluted EPSunavailable0.320.690.710.260.250.83
Diluted EPS YoYunavailableunavailable+115.6%+2.9%−63.4%−3.8%+232.0%
net %unavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailable
Free cash flowunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailable-60.2 m-44.0 m-43.1 m

Reported results vs expectations

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Balance sheet & financial health

Fiscal year 2025 · 31 Dec 2025

Cash
117.6 m USD
Financial debt
unavailable USD
Net debt
unavailable USD
Equity
-33.4 m USD
Total assets
181.6 m USD
Debt / equity
unavailable
Current ratio
2.03x
ROE
unavailable
ROA
-261.5%
FCF margin
unavailable

Financial statements (source on every figure)

Revenue and net income (USD)

Income statement · USD

Operating income
2023
-72.4 m
2024
-81.3 m
2025
-140.1 m

SEC (XBRL)· 31 Mar 2026verified

Interest expense
2023
—
2024
416.0 k
2025
—

SEC (XBRL)· 27 Mar 2025verified

Pre-tax income
2023
-73.7 m
2024
-81.9 m
2025
-319.7 m

SEC (XBRL)· 31 Mar 2026verified

Income tax
2023
41.0 k
2024
48.0 k
2025
144.0 k

SEC (XBRL)· 31 Mar 2026verified

Net income
2023
-73.8 m
2024
-81.9 m
2025
-319.8 m

SEC (XBRL)· 31 Mar 2026verified

Diluted EPS
2023
0.26
2024
0.25
2025
0.83

SEC (XBRL)· 31 Mar 2026verified

Weighted average diluted shares
2023
288.6 m
2024
321.9 m
2025
384.5 m

SEC (XBRL)· 31 Mar 2026verified

Balance sheet · USD

Cash
2023
6.8 m
2024
3.5 m
2025
117.6 m

SEC (XBRL)· 31 Mar 2026verified

Current assets
2023
8.8 m
2024
5.3 m
2025
120.7 m

SEC (XBRL)· 31 Mar 2026verified

Property, plant & equipment, net
2023
1.1 m
2024
771.0 k
2025
519.0 k

SEC (XBRL)· 31 Mar 2026verified

Intangibles (excl. goodwill)
2023
1.6 m
2024
1.9 m
2025
2.1 m

SEC (XBRL)· 31 Mar 2026verified

Total assets
2023
68.9 m
2024
63.0 m
2025
181.6 m

SEC (XBRL)· 31 Mar 2026verified

Accounts payable
2023
2.4 m
2024
6.2 m
2025
2.3 m

SEC (XBRL)· 31 Mar 2026verified

Short-term debt
2023
—
2024
11.8 m
2025
—

SEC (XBRL)· 27 Mar 2025verified

Current liabilities
2023
31.3 m
2024
54.5 m
2025
59.4 m

SEC (XBRL)· 31 Mar 2026verified

Total liabilities
2023
58.0 m
2024
80.1 m
2025
215.1 m

SEC (XBRL)· 31 Mar 2026verified

Equity
2023
10.9 m †
2024
-17.1 m †
2025
-33.4 m †

SEC (XBRL)· 31 Mar 2026verified

Cash flow · USD

Operating cash flow
2023
-59.6 m
2024
-43.5 m
2025
-42.9 m

SEC (XBRL)· 31 Mar 2026verified

Capex
2023
578.0 k
2024
515.0 k
2025
245.0 k

SEC (XBRL)· 31 Mar 2026verified

Free cash flow
2023
-60.2 m ≈
2024
-44.0 m ≈
2025
-43.1 m ≈

SEC (XBRL)· 31 Mar 2026derived

Investing cash flow
2023
-578.0 k
2024
-515.0 k
2025
447.0 k

SEC (XBRL)· 31 Mar 2026verified

Financing cash flow
2023
20.1 m
2024
40.7 m
2025
156.6 m

SEC (XBRL)· 31 Mar 2026verified

Computed indicators

Growth

Revenue growth (YoY)
unavailable
input data missing
Revenue CAGR 3Y
unavailable
input data missing
Revenue CAGR 5Y
unavailable
input data missing
EBIT growth (YoY)
unavailable
the base of the ratio is not positive
Net income growth (YoY)
unavailable
the base of the ratio is not positive
Net income CAGR 3Y
unavailable
the base of the ratio is not positive
Net income CAGR 5Y
unavailable
the base of the ratio is not positive
EPS growth (YoY)
232.0%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
EPS CAGR 3Y
5.3%
computed by olivLawFY 2022 → FY 2025
EPS CAGR 5Y
21.0%
computed by olivLawFY 2020 → FY 2025
FCF growth (YoY)
unavailable
the base of the ratio is not positive

Profitability

Gross margin
unavailable
input data missing
EBITDA margin
unavailable
input data missing
EBIT margin
unavailable
input data missing
Net margin
unavailable
input data missing
FCF margin
unavailable
input data missing

Returns

ROE
-1,123.2%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
ROA
-172.4%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
ROIC
unavailable
equity is negative: buybacks shrink the invested capital and ROIC would come out large without meaning anything
ROCE
-160.5%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Payout ratio (EPS)
unavailable
input data missing
Payout ratio (FCF)
unavailable
input data missing

Balance sheet

Net debt
unavailable
input data missing
Net debt / EBITDA
unavailable
input data missing
Debt / equity
unavailable
input data missing
Interest coverage
-396.5x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026

Liquidity

Current ratio
1.9x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Quick ratio
unavailable
input data missing
Cash ratio
1.9x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Jun 2026

Cash

Operating cash flow
-43.6 m USD
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
Capital expenditure
193.0 k USD
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
Free cash flow
-43.8 m USD
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
FCF conversion
unavailable
insufficient data
Cash conversion
unavailable
input data missing

Efficiency

Days sales outstanding
unavailable
input data missing
Days inventory outstanding
unavailable
input data missing
Days payables outstanding
unavailable
input data missing
Cash conversion cycle
unavailable
input data missing

Market and valuation

Market capitalisation
1.0 bn USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Enterprise value
unavailable
input data missing
Market cap / net income TTM
unavailable
insufficient data
P/E (TTM)
4.2x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
Earnings yield
24.0%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
P/B
unavailable
equity is negative: the ratio is not economically meaningful (not by itself insolvency; usually the result of buybacks)
P/S
unavailable
input data missing
EV/EBITDA
unavailable
input data missing
EV/EBIT
unavailable
input data missing
EV/Sales
unavailable
input data missing
P/FCF
unavailable
the base of the ratio is not positive
FCF yield
-4.3%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Dividend yield
unavailable
no dividend in the structured statements; a missing line is not a confirmed zero
Shareholder yield (distributions)
unavailable
input data missing

Risk

Altman Z
unavailable
input data missing

Valuation

olivLaw classification

Insufficient data
What is missing
  • indicators available: 5 of at least 6
  • score weight coverage: 37.5% of at least 60%

A scoring methodology on indicators and valuation, not investment advice.

Closing price

2.31 USD

04 Nov 2026Source: olivLaw, closing series

Market cap: 1.0 bn USD

Key indicators

Market capitalisation
1.0 bn USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
P/E (TTM)
4.2x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
P/B
unavailable
equity is negative: the ratio is not economically meaningful (not by itself insolvency; usually the result of buybacks)
EV/EBITDA
unavailable
input data missing
ROE
-1,123.2%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Net margin
unavailable
input data missing
Revenue growth (YoY)
unavailable
input data missing
Dividend yield
unavailable
no dividend in the structured statements; a missing line is not a confirmed zero

Coverage and freshness

22/37 reporting lines present
Latest full fiscal year: 2025
Latest reported period: 30 Jun 2026
Latest balance sheet date: 30 Jun 2026
Share count (cover of the latest filing), as of: 11 Aug 2026
Source: SEC (XBRL)published 13 Aug 2026
verified 615derived 44

Score by group

38% · Insufficient data

Estimated value range

Low
7.46
USD per share
Mid
9.29
USD per share
High
13.60
USD per share
Price: 2.31 USD
The price is below the range
Potential to the central value: 302.0% (value / price − 1)
Margin of safety: 75.1% (1 − price / value)
Agreement between methods: single method · 1 methods used · 1 independent bases

The combined range = the median of the valid methods' low, central and high values; it is not a probability interval and does not cover every result. Envelope of all methods: 7.46 – 13.60 USD.

Valuation assumptions are editorial choices, not measured; beta is not measured.

Method ranges (USD per share)

— — Mid · ▏ Price

Valuation methods

  • DCF (discounted cash flow)unavailable · input data missing
  • Peers: EV/EBITDAunavailable · net debt missing: EV cannot be bridged to equity (missing debt is not zero)
  • Peers: P/E7.46 – 13.60 (Mid 9.29)
    8 companies used · median multiple 16.8x · quartiles 13.5x – 24.6x
    BHP, BVN, ERO, FCX, HBM, NEXA, RIO, SCCO
  • Dividend discount (DDM)unavailable · the company pays no dividend: a dividend model needs an explicit initiation assumption
Multiple comparisons use the SIC vertical: Metal Mining (SIC 1000)

Classification (SIC) comparables group by industry code, not by economic activity; the direct group is an editorial selection by activity. Members' multiples are on their own trailing twelve months, at their own latest close.

Assumptions (illustrative, editorial)

Risk-free rate
4.3%
Equity risk premium
5.0%
Beta (default)
1.00
Cost of equity
9.3%
Terminal growth
2.5%

Factor scorecard

Insufficient data

Minimum-evidence gate: indicators available: 5 of at least 6; score weight coverage: 37.5% of at least 60%

FactorValueScoreWeight used
ROIC · Qualityunavailableunavailable—
Net margin · Qualityunavailableunavailable—
FCF conversion · Qualityunavailableunavailable—
Revenue CAGR 3Y · Growthunavailableunavailable—
EPS CAGR 3Y · Growth5.3%36 (on a fixed band)22%
Net debt / EBITDA · Balance sheetunavailableunavailable—
Interest coverage · Balance sheet-396.5x0 (on a fixed band)17%
Current ratio · Balance sheet1.9x94 (on a fixed band)11%
P/E (TTM) · Valuation4.2x100 (vs peers)28%
EV/EBITDA · Valuationunavailableunavailable—
FCF yield · Valuation-4.3%0 (on a fixed band)22%
Shareholder yield (distributions) · Returnsunavailableunavailable—
Payout ratio (FCF) · Returnsunavailableunavailable—

Factors without a value were dropped; the remaining weights were renormalised.

Score groups

  • Balance sheet38/100 · 2/3 factors with a value
  • Growth· partial36/100 · 1/2 factors with a value
  • Quality· partialunavailable · 0/3 factors with a value
  • Returns· partialunavailable · 0/2 factors with a value
  • Valuation56/100 · 2/3 factors with a value

A «partial» group is computed from under half of its weight or from one factor: it is not a full assessment of the group.

Memo

TMC the metals Co Inc. (TMC). Latest full fiscal year: 2025; data up to 2026-06-30.

Figures computed from the financial statements: ROE -1,123.2%.

The estimated value range is 7.46–13.60 USD per share (median of 1 methods, agreement: single method); assumptions are illustrative. Against the central value of 9.29 USD, the price of 2.31 USD leaves a potential of 302.0% (value / price − 1) and a margin of safety of 75.1% (1 − price / value). The range is the median of the methods' low, central and high values, not a probability interval.

Insufficient data for a verdict (indicators available: 5 of at least 6; score weight coverage: 37.5% of at least 60%).

Text generated deterministically from the figures shown; no language model. Not investment advice.

What supports the thesis

  • Current ratio: 1.9x
  • P/E (TTM): 4.2x
  • The price is below the estimated value range

What contradicts it

  • Interest coverage: -396.5x
  • FCF yield: -4.3%

Not assessed (insufficient data or a ratio without meaning): ROIC, Net margin, FCF conversion, Revenue CAGR 3Y, Net debt / EBITDA, EV/EBITDA, Shareholder yield (distributions), Payout ratio (FCF).

Versus the vertical median

Metal Mining (SIC 1000) · same industry (4-digit SIC) · compared with 26 companies

Multiples and returns vs the median

P/E
4.2x
vertical median 18.1x
below median (−77.0%)
EV/EBITDA
—
vertical median 13.4x
P/S
—
vertical median 7.1x
P/B
—
vertical median 2.6x
ROE
-1,123.2%
vertical median -8.4%
below median
Net margin
—
vertical median 1.0%
EBIT margin
—
vertical median 16.0%
Revenue YoY
—
vertical median 8.5%
Net debt/EBITDA
—
vertical median 0.6x
Dividend yield
—
vertical median 1.7%

Price rebased to 100 (monthly, 5 years)

Companies in the vertical

Market capP/EROENet marginRevenue YoY1A / 3A
BHPBhp Group Limited406.8 bn45.219.5%17.6%−7.9%+46% / +31%
SCCOSouthern Copper Corp149.3 bn23.053.2%37.3%+17.4%+35% / +163%
RIORio Tinto PLC106.2 bn13.917.0%17.3%+7.4%+18% / +22%
FCXFreeport-McMoRan Inc.89.9 bn29.221.8%16.2%+1.8%+46% / +68%
HBMHudbay Minerals Inc.8.8 bn15.419.7%25.7%+9.4%+31% / +388%
CLFCleveland-Cliffs Inc.7.3 bn—-8.5%-2.4%−3.0%−2% / −25%
BVNBuenaventura Mining Co Inc7.3 bn18.112.6%34.9%+40.1%+16% / +202%
MPMP Materials Corp.6.4 bn—-4.1%-19.9%+10.1%−42% / +126%
EROEro Copper Corp3.2 bn12.234.6%33.6%+67.1%+21% / +150%
NEXANexa Resources S.A.1.6 bn11.914.6%4.4%+8.5%+70% / +103%
IEIvanhoe Electric Inc.1.2 bn—-8.4%-1,138.7%+11.8%−46% / −32%
USARUSA Rare Earth, Inc.1.1 bn—-23.6%-2,159.3%unavailable−39% / −20%
TMCTMC the metals Co Inc.1.0 bn4.2-1,123.2%—unavailable−61% / +114%
USASAmericas Gold And Silver Corporation986.9 m—-61.6%-74.1%+17.7%−31% / +413%
ASMAvino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd.769.3 m79.07.0%12.2%+50.8%−15% / +746%
LARLithium Argentina AG682.1 m—-9.5%—+12.9%−24% / −21%
SGMLSigma Lithium Corporation626.1 m—-67.4%-45.6%−27.3%−50% / −81%
GSMFerroglobe PLC547.5 m—-25.9%-12.8%−18.8%−34% / −49%
ALOYRealloys Inc.459.5 m—-155.8%-5,144.4%−5.3%−5% / +68%
THMInternational Tower Hill Mines Ltd455.2 m—-2.8%—unavailable−10% / +222%
LZMLifezone Metals Limited336.9 m—-16.7%-1,289.2%+652.2%+1% / −60%
USAUU.s. Gold Corp.186.4 m—-55.2%—−30.9%−35% / +239%
PZGParamount Gold Nevada Corp.83.9 m—-46.1%—−54.7%−20% / +146%
WWRWestwater Resources, Inc.52.5 m—-19.1%—unavailable−57% / −33%
COPRIdaho Copper Corporation25.7 m—-187.5%—−63.5%unavailable / unavailable

1- and 3-year price returns: for TMC from daily closes (the same as the performance table), for the other companies from month-end closes.

olivLaw engine forecast

The world engine ran after the company's latest material disclosure. Probabilities are of TOUCHING a level within the horizon (not closing there) and sit next to the random walk (p_rw), the no-information benchmark.

The engine has no published run for this company yet.

Valuation scenarios (editable assumptions)

Illustrative scenarios

Scenarios are not available. input data missing

AI analysis

AI-generatedAI-generated analysis (Claude) from cited public sources; it may contain errors. Not investment advice. As of 27 Oct 2026 · Model: claude-haiku-5-5.

In brief

TMC is a deep seabed minerals developer aiming to collect and process polymetallic nodules from the Clarion Clipperton Zone. The company is in the development stage, with a permit application under review at NOAA and estimated resources in its application areas totalling approximately 1 1.639 billion wet tonnes, so the authorisation process is central to the project's future.

SWOT

Strengths

  • The company holds large estimated resources and a clear development plan, backed by a prefeasibility study and solid technical partnerships.
  • Partnerships with Allseas, PAMCO and Mariana Minerals cover collection, processing and onshore development.
  • The company has US government policy support for critical minerals and has advanced its NOAA applications.

Weaknesses

  • The company does not yet hold a commercial recovery permit or onshore facility permits.
  • The company reports net losses and depends on external funding for major investments.
  • Commercial collection of seabed nodules has never been demonstrated at industrial scale.

Opportunities

  • If NOAA issues the permits, the company could begin collection and benefit from government demand for critical minerals.
  • Funding from US agencies could support building domestic processing capacity.
  • Services agreements with Eco Minerals could expand access to vessels and offshore survey services.

Threats

  • Delays or refusal of NOAA permits could postpone the production timeline.
  • NGO opposition and moratoria by some states could constrain offshore projects.
  • Fluctuations in metal prices could affect future revenues and access to financing.

Risks

  • NOAA permithigh

    The commercial recovery permit has not yet been issued, and the review timeline, including environmental assessment, is uncertain 12.

  • ISA regimehigh

    The absence of ISA exploitation rules could affect the NORI and TOML contracts 1.

  • Financinghigh

    The company depends on additional capital, which may not be available on acceptable terms 13.

  • Public oppositionmedium

    NGO campaigns could affect permits and partner relationships 1.

  • Dependence on Allseasmedium

    The production timeline depends heavily on the Allseas relationship, and technical problems could delay the project 1.

Investment thesis

What would need to be true (bull case)

  • If permits are issued, the company could become a significant supplier of critical minerals from outside the traditional land-based regime.
  • US government support and industrial partnerships could accelerate project development.
  • The estimated resources are large, which could justify a long-term project if the authorisation and funding stages are completed.

What would break the thesis

  • If permits are delayed or refused, the commercial timeline could be pushed back considerably.
  • The company has not yet demonstrated commercial production and continues to report net losses.
  • International opposition and uncertain regulation could limit both collection and product exports.

What to watch

  • NOAA certification and permit decision on the USA-A application2026
  • Outcome of the funding process with US agenciesnext 10-Q
  • Allseas progress on the Hidden Gem system2027
  • Adoption of exploitation rules by the ISAnext 10-K

Products, market & competition

AI-generatedAI-generated analysis (Claude) from cited public sources; it may contain errors. Not investment advice. As of 27 Oct 2026 · Model: claude-haiku-5-5.

The business

TMC is a deep seabed minerals developer focused on collecting, processing and refining polymetallic nodules on the seafloor in international waters of the Clarion Clipperton Zone. The nodules contain nickel, copper, cobalt and manganese, along with meaningful concentrations of rare earth elements, in a single rock 1. The company released a prefeasibility study for NORI Area D declaring the world's first mineral reserves for a seafloor nodule project, but it has not yet obtained commercial recovery permits or onshore facility permits 1. Its main strategy relies on the US DSHMRA regime, alongside its existing ISA contracts.

The business model is still in development with no commercial production. The company plans initially to produce nickel, copper and cobalt intermediate products and a manganese silicate product of approximately 40% manganese, comparable to medium-grade manganese ore 1. Key partnerships include Allseas, which is modifying the pilot collection system for commercial production, PAMCO for processing in Japan, and Mariana Minerals for a possible processing complex in Texas 13.

Meanwhile, in July 2026 the company signed a services agreement with Mariana Minerals for the Port of Brownsville in Texas and an agreement with Eco Minerals for offshore survey services 3. Management said future onshore capital spending depends largely on funding from US government sources, and liquidity of about 3 143 million USD as of June 30, 2026 shows that development relies on additional financing 3.

Segments

Offshore nodule collection

The collection segment rests on the commercial Hidden Gem system being developed with Allseas, designed for a nameplate capacity of about 3 3.0 million wet tonnes per year. Commissioning is targeted for late 2027, subject to the NOAA permit 3.

Processing and refining

Processing follows a near-zero solid waste flowsheet tested with PAMCO in Japan and KPM in Canada, but commercial plants are not yet authorised. Texas plans depend on government funding and environmental approvals that have not yet been obtained 13.

Application areas and resources

The USA-A and USA-B applications cover areas of different sizes, with resources estimated separately. The USA-A area covers about 3 65000 km² and holds an estimated 3 619 million wet tonnes of nodules, while the USA-B area covers about 3 122000 km² 3.

Market context

The company targets metals classed as critical by the US Department of the Interior, used in semiconductors, AI data centres, steel and defence. In 2025 the United States imported 100% of its primary nickel, cobalt and manganese and about 1 46% of its primary copper 1. Concentrated processing in China makes the market attractive for alternative projects, but this depends on regulation and public policy.

Demand for these metals could rise with batteries and electrical infrastructure, but prices and volumes remain uncertain. If land ores remain the only viable source, environmental pressures and price volatility could increase, which would support the company's argument 1.

Trends

  • US critical minerals policytailwind

    Executive Order 14825 accelerated permitting under DSHMRA, and the government has signalled possible purchases and support for domestic processing. If these measures translate into funding and permits, they could support the company's timeline 12.

  • Deadlock in the ISA regimeheadwind

    The International Seabed Authority has not adopted exploitation rules, and several states are calling for moratoria. This uncertainty could delay the exploitation contracts of the NORI and TOML subsidiaries 1.

  • Rising demand from batteries and gridsmixed

    Growing demand from the battery and electrical infrastructure sectors supports demand for nickel, cobalt and manganese. This could support better prices, but depends on market developments 1.

  • NGO opposition and public perceptionheadwind

    Lobbying by non-governmental organisations and negative perceptions of offshore collection could delay permits or reduce investor support. The company acknowledges this risk in its filings 1.

Competitive position

Competition comes from traditional land-based mineral producers and from Chinese-dominated refining, as well as from other offshore resource developers. The company argues that nodules offer a lower environmental footprint than land mining 1.

In addition, investors may compare TMC with other critical resource developers, and its advantage depends on obtaining permits and financing ahead of rivals 13.

  • Nickel and cobalt producers in Indonesia and the DRC

    Land-based supply chain players that dominate nickel and cobalt supply, with processing largely controlled by Chinese-owned entities 1.

  • Chinese metal refineries

    Chinese refineries dominate global processing of manganese, cobalt and copper, which makes alternatives strategically significant 1.

  • Other seabed resource developers

    Companies holding contracts in other seabed areas or running exploration projects, such as Eco Minerals, with which TMC signed a services agreement 3.

  • Land-based copper mine producers

    Land-based copper producers are the main competitor for copper from polymetallic nodules, although they are not identified as US-listed in the sources given.

News & filings

In the press

The latest news item in our archive is from 14 Sept 2026; the newest SEC filing is from 29 Sept 2026. The press archive comes from the RSS feeds we follow and does not necessarily cover the latest event — the filings alongside do.

SEC filings

  • Current report29 Sept 2026
    Departure or appointment of officers · Regulation FD disclosure · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Current report19 Aug 2026
    Regulation FD disclosure · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Current report17 Aug 2026
    Regulation FD disclosure · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Quarterly report13 Aug 2026
  • Current report13 Aug 2026
    Results of operations · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Current report29 May 2026
    Shareholder vote
  • Current report28 May 2026
    Regulation FD disclosure · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Quarterly report14 May 2026
  • Current report14 May 2026
    Results of operations · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Current report01 May 2026
    Regulation FD disclosure · Financial statements and exhibits

Sources

  1. [1] Form 10-K, fiscal year ended 2025-12-31 · SEC / TMC the metals company Inc. · 31 Mar 2026
  2. [2] Form 10-Q, quarter ended 2026-06-30 · SEC / TMC the metals company Inc. · 13 Aug 2026
  3. [3] Form 8-K, results release (exhibit 99.1) · SEC / TMC the metals company Inc. · 13 Aug 2026

Figures computed by olivLaw from SEC filings and closing prices; the qualitative analysis is AI-generated from cited sources. Not investment advice.