---
schema_version: "secwatch.filing_event.v1"
accession: "0001104659-26-067275"
form_type: "8-K"
ticker: "TMC"
cik: "0001798562"
company_name: "TMC the metals Co Inc."
filed_at: "2026-05-28T13:04:46+00:00"
generated_at: "2026-05-28T13:07:56.369846+00:00"
event_type: "regulatory"
sentiment: "positive"
materiality_score: 0.55
calibrated_materiality_score: 0.55
confidence: "high"
source: SEC EDGAR
---

# NOAA certifies TMC USA's exploration license for USA B; 1.02B tonne nodule resource

## Summary
- NOAA formally certified TMC's USA B exploration license application under Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act.
- USA B area covers ~122,000 km² with estimated 1.02 billion tonnes of polymetallic nodules containing nickel, cobalt, copper, manganese, and rare earths.
- NOAA will now prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for planned exploration activities in USA B.
- Prior USA A consolidated application (exploration + commercial recovery) was determined fully compliant by NOAA on April 28, 2026.
- CEO Gerard Barron called it a key milestone in the transparent, rules-based regulatory process.

## SEC filing metadata
- accession: 0001104659-26-067275
- form_type: 8-K
- ticker: TMC
- cik: 0001798562
- company_name: TMC the metals Co Inc.
- filed_at: 2026-05-28T13:04:46+00:00
- event_type: regulatory
- sentiment: positive
- materiality_score: 0.55
- calibrated_materiality_score: 0.55
- confidence: high
- sec_items: 7.01, 9.01
- EDGAR index: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1798562/000110465926067275/0001104659-26-067275-index.htm
- EDGAR primary document: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1798562/000110465926067275/tm2615882d1_8k.htm

## Machine-readable alternates
- HTML: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001104659-26-067275
- JSON: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001104659-26-067275.json
- Plain text: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001104659-26-067275.txt

This AI-assisted summary is a reading aid. Review the linked SEC EDGAR filing before relying on any specific claim.