Federal Register #2026-16722

NOAA Environmental Impact Statement for Proposed Seabed Mining Exploration License to The Metals Company USA, LLC

NOAA, under the Department of Commerce, is initiating an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process for a proposed exploration license to The Metals Company USA, LLC (TMC-USA) under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act. - Government Buyer: - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - Department of Commerce - OEMs and Vendors: - The Metals Company USA, LLC (TMC-USA) - Products/Services Requested: - No products or services are being procured; the notice is for public input and environmental review - Notable Requirements: - Proposed license would authorize seabed mining exploration activities in area "USA-B" beyond national jurisdiction - Activities include vessel and autonomous vehicle operation, sonar use, and deployment of box corers - License duration is ten years, subject to terms and restrictions - Public comments and input are requested as part of NEPA and NHPA scoping process - No procurement of goods or services; focus is on environmental review and information gathering

Description

NOAA announces its intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the environmental impacts of issuing an exploration license to The Metals Company USA, LLC (TMC-USA) under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act for the application area designated as "USA-B." The license would authorize seabed mining exploration activities such as vessel and autonomous vehicle operation, sonar use, and deployment of box corers within the seabed area beyond national jurisdiction for ten years, subject to terms, conditions, and restrictions. This notice initiates the scoping process under NEPA to solicit public comments and identify relevant issues, and also seeks public input under the National Historic Preservation Act. NOAA will consider written comments received by September 16, 2026.

View original listing