NOAA determined that The Metals Company USA, LLC’s consolidated application meets the information requirements of the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act and can move forward with processing. The agency announced a 60‑day public comment period ending October 19, 2026, and a virtual hearing on October 13, 2026. The Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act obliges NOAA to license and permit exploration and commercial recovery of hard minerals beyond national jurisdiction. A consolidated application process lets eligible applicants request both an exploration license and a commercial recovery permit at the same time, aiming to speed review while keeping environmental and technical standards high. The application, submitted on February 6, 2026, covers activities in the Clarion‑Clipperton Zone, a deep‑sea area of the central Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and Mexico. The proposal targets polymetallic nodules that contain minerals used in defense systems, electronics, and renewable energy technologies, potentially reducing reliance on foreign supply chains. NOAA’s technical review confirmed that the application satisfies the Act’s information threshold. To certify the application, NOAA must find that the applicant demonstrates financial responsibility, technical capability, and a sufficient exploration and recovery plan as required by the regulations. If certified, NOAA will evaluate the environmental impacts of issuing an exploration license and a commercial recovery permit through an environmental impact statement, which will provide further public comment opportunities. NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs said the review process is designed to ensure responsibility in this emerging industry and to provide access to critical resources for the nation. The public comment period and hearing will inform NOAA’s certification decision, after which the agency will determine whether to issue the required licenses.