TMC the metals Q2 Earnings Call Highlights

U.S. permitting is progressing, but timelines slipped. NOAA has completed key compliance reviews for TMC’s USA-A application, with publication and certification expected in 2026; the company no longer expects a permanent permit in the first quarter of 2027 but still targets approval before vessel commissioning.

Offshore mining development is moving into procurement. TMC and Allseas are advancing a system designed to collect 3 million wet tons of nodules annually, with fabrication planned from late 2026 through the third quarter of 2027 and commissioning targeted for the fourth quarter of 2027.

TMC remains pre-revenue and reported higher costs. The company posted a second-quarter net loss of $60.1 million, used $20.1 million in operating cash, and had $143 million in liquidity at June 30; it said cash should cover commitments for at least the next 12 months.

TMC the metals NASDAQ: TMC said its two U.S. seabed-mining applications are advancing through regulatory milestones while its offshore collection system moves into procurement ahead of targeted commissioning in the fourth quarter of 2027. During its second-quarter 2026 corporate update call, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Gerard Barron said TMC USA’s consolidated USA-A application covers about 65,000 square kilometers and seeks both an exploration license and a commercial recovery permit. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, has completed substantial-compliance and full-compliance determinations for the application, according to the company.

Barron said publication of USA-A in the Federal Register is expected imminently, which would begin the public-comment process. NOAA has advised the company that certification is now expected in October 2026, delayed by administrative issues rather than an issue with the application, he said. As a result, TMC no longer expects a permanent grant during the first quarter of 2027, though Barron said the company still expects a permit before its targeted vessel commissioning date. The company’s USA-B application covers approximately 122,000 square kilometers. NOAA is expected to publish a notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement for that application after certifying it in May, Barron said.

Offshore system enters procurement phase TMC Forges a New EV Supply Chain at the Bottom of the Sea TMC said its May agreement with Allseas established a framework for completing development, commissioning and operation of its first commercial nodule-production system. The initial configuration is designed to collect 3 million wet tons of polymetallic nodules annually and would include two collector vehicles, launch and recovery systems, a riser system, the Hidden Gem production vessel and a transfer vessel. Basic engineering has been completed for long-lead equipment including the riser, launch and recovery systems, and collector umbilical, Barron said. The next procurement packages include compressor equipment, navigation equipment, riser-handling equipment, a derrick upgrade, and storage and offloading systems. Fabrication is expected to run from the fourth quarter of 2026 through the third quarter of 2027, followed by installation and commissioning targeted for the fourth quarter of 2027. Barron said Allseas is expected to fund a significant portion of pre-production development costs, with recovery through production revenues. Chief Financial Officer Craig Shesky said the company has not yet accrued the full amount it expects to spend with Allseas before production. TMC expects additi...