TMC the metals Co Inc.

Previous wording

The following discussion and analysis provide information which management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our condensed consolidated results of operations and financial condition. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2024 contained in our 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward looking statements and involves numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those described in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of the 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated and/or supplemented in subsequent filings with the SEC. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Unless the context otherwise requires, references to “we”, “us”, “our”, “TMC” and “the Company” are intended to mean the business and operations of TMC the metals company Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, present the financial position and results of operations of TMC the metals company Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Current wording

*The following discussion and analysis provide information which management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our condensed consolidated results of operations and financial condition. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2024 contained in our 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward looking statements and involves numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those described in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of the 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated and/or supplemented in subsequent filings with the SEC, including our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 and this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Unless the context otherwise requires, references to “we”, “us”, “our”,**“TMC”*and “the Company” are intended to mean the business and operations of TMC the metals company Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively, present the financial position and results of operations of TMC the metals company Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Previous wording

We are a deep-sea minerals exploration company focused on the collection, processing and refining of polymetallic nodules found on the seafloor in international waters of the Clarion Clipperton Zone (“CCZ”), with NORI Area D located approximately1,500 miles south-west of San Diego, California. The CCZ is a geological submarine fracture zone of abyssal plains and other formations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with a length of around 7,240 kilometers (4,500 miles) that spans approximately 4,500,000 square kilometers (1,737,000 square miles). Polymetallic nodules are discrete rocks that sit unattached to the seafloor, occur in significant quantities in the CCZ and have high concentrations of nickel, copper, cobalt and manganese in a single rock.

Current wording

We are a deep-sea minerals exploration company focused on the collection, processing and refining of polymetallic nodules found on the seafloor in international waters of the CCZ, with NORI Area D located approximately1,500 miles south-west of San Diego, California. The CCZ is a geological submarine fracture zone of abyssal plains and other formations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with a length of around 7,240 kilometers (4,500 miles) that spans approximately 4,500,000 square kilometers (1,737,000 square miles). Polymetallic nodules are discrete rocks that sit unattached to the seafloor, occur in significant quantities in the CCZ and have high concentrations of nickel, copper, cobalt and manganese in a single rock.

Previous wording

These four metals contained in the polymetallic nodules are critical for energy, defense, manufacturing and infrastructure. Our resource definition work to date shows that nodules in our contract areas represent the world’s largest estimated undeveloped source of the four critical metals contained in nodules. If we are able to collect polymetallic nodules from the seafloor on a commercial scale, we plan to use such nodules to produce three types of metal products: (i) feedstock for battery cathode precursors (nickel, cobalt and manganese sulfates, or intermediate nickel-copper-cobalt matte or nickel-copper-cobalt alloy) for nickel-rich lithium-ion batteries, (ii) copper cathode for electric wiring, energy transmission and other applications and (iii) manganese silicate for manganese alloy production required for steel manufacturing. Our mission is to build a carefully managed shared stock of metal (a “metal commons”) that can be used, recovered and reused for generations to come. Significant quantities of newly mined metal are required because existing metal stocks are insufficient to meet rapidly rising demand.

Current wording

These four metals contained in the polymetallic nodules are critical for energy, defense, manufacturing and infrastructure. Our resource definition work to date shows that nodules in our contract areas represent the world’s largest undeveloped resource of the four critical metals contained in nodules. If we are able to collect polymetallic nodules from the seafloor on a commercial scale, we plan to use such nodules to produce three types of metal products: (i) feedstock for battery cathode precursors (nickel, cobalt and manganese sulfates, or intermediate nickel-copper-cobalt matte or nickel-copper-cobalt alloy) for nickel-rich lithium-ion batteries, (ii) copper cathode for electric wiring, energy transmission and other applications and (iii) manganese silicate for manganese alloy production required for steel manufacturing. Our mission is to build a carefully managed shared stock of metal (a “metal commons”) that can be used, recovered and reused for generations to come. Significant quantities of newly mined metal are required because existing metal stocks are insufficient to meet rapidly rising demand.

Previous wording

We are still in the exploration phase and have not yet obtained an exploitation contract or a commercial recovery permit from any regulators. Additionally, we do not yet hold the environmental or other permits required to construct and operate commercial-scale polymetallic nodule processing and refining facilities on land.

Current wording

We are now in the evaluation stage following release of the TMC USA-A Prefeasibility Study, Technical Report Summary on August 4, 2025 where the Company declared world first mining reserves for a seafloor polymetallic nodule project. We have not yet obtained an exploitation contract or a commercial recovery permit from any regulators. Additionally, we do not yet hold the environmental or other permits required to construct and operate commercial-scale polymetallic nodule processing and refining facilities on land.

Previous wording

The International Seabed Authority (“ISA”), comprised of 169 countries and the European Union, established regulations over deep-sea mining activities of their nationals, pursuant to UNCLOS. The ISA has adopted exploration regulations and issued 19 polymetallic nodule exploration contracts but has been unable to adopt the final exploitation regulations, standards and guidelines despite initiating work in 2014. Almost 30 countries, including the United States, have not ratified UNCLOS and are not member states of the ISA. To regulate deep-sea mining activities of its citizens in the high seas, the United States adopted the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act of 1980, a U.S. domestic statute administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA. NOAA implemented regulations for exploration licenses in 1981 and for commercial recovery permits in 1989.

Current wording

The ISA, comprised of 170 countries and the European Union, established regulations over deep-sea mining activities of their nationals, pursuant to UNCLOS. The ISA has adopted exploration regulations and issued 19 polymetallic nodule exploration contracts but has been unable to adopt the final exploitation regulations, standards and guidelines despite initiating work in 2014. Almost 30 countries, including the United States, have not ratified UNCLOS and are not member states of the ISA. To regulate deep-sea mining activities of its citizens in the high seas, the United States adopted the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act of 1980, a U.S. domestic statute administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA. NOAA implemented regulations for exploration licenses in 1981 and for commercial recovery permits in 1989.

Previous wording

We are increasingly focused on advancing our commercial production strategy under the U.S.-based DSHMRA regime. In April 2025, our wholly owned subsidiary, The Metals Company USA, LLC, or TMC USA, submitted two exploration license applications (covering 199,895 square kilometers in the CCZ referred to as TMC USA-A and TMC USA-B) and one commercial recovery permit application (covering 25,160 square kilometers in the CCZ referred to as TMC USA-A_2) to NOAA. These applications are estimated to hold approximately 1.635 billion wet tonnes of measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources. Together, the resources are estimated to contain approximately 15.5 million tonnes of nickel, 12.8 million tonnes of copper, 2.0 million tonnes of cobalt, and 345 million tonnes of manganese.

Current wording

We continue to be focused on advancing our commercial production strategy under the U.S.-based DSHMRA regime. In April 2025, our wholly owned subsidiary, The Metals Company USA, LLC, or TMC USA, submitted two exploration license applications (covering 187,017 square kilometers in the CCZ referred to as TMC USA-A and TMC USA-B) and one commercial recovery permit application (covering 25,160 square kilometers in the CCZ referred to as TMC USA-A_2) to NOAA. These applications are estimated to hold approximately 1.639 billion wet tonnes of measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources. Together, the resources are estimated to contain approximately 15.5 million tonnes of nickel, 12.8 million tonnes of copper, 2.0 million tonnes of cobalt, and 345 million tonnes of manganese.

Previous wording

At the same time as we pursue the U.S. pathway, we continue to preserve our rights under the ISA system. While the ISA does not have jurisdiction over activities conducted under the regulatory authority of the United States, we maintain two ISA exploration contracts in the CCZ, one held by our subsidiary Nauru Ocean Resources Inc., or NORI, sponsored by the Republic of Nauru, and one held by Tonga Offshore Mining Limited, or TOML, sponsored by the Kingdom of Tonga. The ISA has issued a total of 19 exploration contracts covering approximately 1.28 million square kilometers, 17 of which are located in the CCZ. Currently, we are increasingly focused on pursuing commercial production through the U.S. regulatory pathway under DSHMRA, following the April 2025 submission of TMC USA’s exploration license and commercial recovery permit applications to NOAA. We do not believe pursuing licenses and permits with NOAA under DSHMRA affects our ISA exploration contracts.

Current wording

At the same time as we pursue the U.S. pathway, we continue to preserve our rights under the ISA system. While the ISA does not have jurisdiction over activities conducted under the regulatory authority of the United States, we maintain two ISA exploration contracts in the CCZ, one held by our subsidiary Nauru Ocean Resources Inc., or NORI, sponsored by the Republic of Nauru (“Nauru”), and one held by Tonga Offshore Mining Limited, or TOML, sponsored by the Kingdom of Tonga (“Tonga”). The ISA has issued a total of 19 exploration contracts covering approximately 1.28 million square kilometers, 17 of which are located in the CCZ. Currently, we are increasingly focused on pursuing commercial production through the U.S. regulatory pathway under DSHMRA, following the April 2025 submission of TMC USA’s exploration license and commercial recovery permit applications to NOAA. We do not believe pursuing licenses and permits with NOAA under DSHMRA affects our ISA exploration contracts.

Previous wording

We have key strategic partnerships with (i) Allseas, a leading global offshore contractor, which developed and tested a pilot collection system, and is now working to modify it into the first commercial production system, (ii) PAMCO, an experienced Japanese ferronickel producer, which is responsible for pre-feasibility and feasibility studies on nodule processing, and (iii) Glencore which holds offtake rights to 50% of the NORI nickel and copper production if produced from a DGE-owned or controlled facility. In addition, we have worked with engineering firm Hatch Ltd. (Hatch) and consultants Kingston Process Metallurgy Inc. (KPM) to develop a near-zero solid waste flowsheet. The primary processing stages of the flowsheet from nodule to NiCuCo matte intermediate were demonstrated as part of our pilot plant program at FLSmidth and XPS’(Glencore subsidiary) facilities. The matte refining stages have been tested at SGS Lakefield with positive results. The near-zero solid waste flowsheet provides a design that is expected to serve as the basis for our onshore processing facilities. We expect this partnership to progress to a definitive tolling agreement in 2025, subject to successful evaluation study outcomes and agreement to mutually acceptable commercial terms.

Current wording

We have key strategic partnerships with (i) Allseas, a leading global offshore contractor, which developed and tested a pilot collection system, and is now working to modify it into the first commercial production system, (ii) Pacific Metals Co. Ltd. (“PAMCO”), an experienced Japanese ferronickel producer, which is responsible for pre-feasibility and feasibility studies on nodule processing, and (iii) Glencore International AG (“Glencore”) which holds offtake rights to 50% of the NORI nickel and copper production if produced from the our subsidiary DeepGreen Engineering Pte Ltd. (“DGE”) owned or controlled facility. In addition, we have worked with engineering firm Hatch Ltd. (Hatch) and consultants Kingston Process Metallurgy Inc. (KPM) to develop a near-zero solid waste flowsheet. The primary processing stages of the flowsheet from nodule to NiCuCo matte intermediate were demonstrated as part of our pilot plant program at FLSmidth and XPS’ (Glencore subsidiary) facilities. The matte refining stages have been tested at SGS facility in Lakefield Canada with positive results. The near-zero solid waste flowsheet provides a design that is expected to serve as the basis for our onshore processing facilities. We expect this partnership to progress to a definitive tolling agreement in 2025, subject to successful evaluation study outcomes and agreement to mutually acceptable commercial terms.

Previous wording

To reach our objective and initiate commercial production, we are working to: (i) define our resource and project economics, (ii) develop a commercial offshore nodule collection system, (iii) assess the environmental and social impacts of offshore nodule collection, and (iv) develop onshore technology to process collected polymetallic nodules into a manganese silicate product, and an intermediate nickel-copper-cobalt alloy or matte product and/or end-products like nickel and cobalt sulfates, and copper cathode. We are also working towards a pre-feasibility study, which we are now updating to reflect the U.S. regulatory pathway and a new set of requirements under DSHMRA.

Current wording

To reach our objective and initiate commercial production, we are working to: (i) define our resource and project economics, (ii) develop a commercial offshore nodule collection system, (iii) assess the environmental and social impacts of offshore nodule collection, and (iv) develop onshore technology to process collected polymetallic nodules into a manganese silicate product, and an intermediate nickel-copper-cobalt alloy or matte product and/or end-products like nickel and cobalt sulfates, and copper cathode.

Previous wording

Developments in the First Quarter 2025

Current wording

Developments in the Second Quarter 2025

Previous wording

Below are some of the major developments that occurred in the first quarter of 2025:

Current wording

Below are some of the major developments that occurred in the second quarter of 2025:

Previous wording

On April 29, 2025, we announced that TMC USA had submitted the first-ever application for a commercial recovery permit and two exploration licenses under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act of 1980 (DSHMRA), advancing the Company’s timeline ahead of its original June 27, 2025 application target. The application area for the commercial recovery permit, TMC USA-A_2, covers a total combined area of 25,160 square kilometers in the Clarion Clipperton Zone which includes areas that contain the Company’s already indicated and measured resources. TMC USA also submitted two exploration license applications: TMC USA-A and TMC USA-B with a total combined area of 199,895 square kilometers. The Company believes the TMC USA-A and USA-B exploration areas contain SEC SK 1300-compliant resources of 1.635 billion wet tonnes of polymetallic nodules supported by existing issued technical report summaries, with an additional estimated 500 million tonnes of potential exploration upside. The resources are estimated to contain approximately 15.5 million tonnes of nickel, 12.8 million tonnes of copper, 2.0 million tonnes of cobalt, and 345 million tonnes of manganese.

Current wording

On April 29, 2025, we announced that TMC USA had submitted the first-ever application for a commercial recovery permit and two exploration licenses under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act of 1980 (DSHMRA), advancing the Company’s timeline ahead of its original June 27, 2025 ISA application target. The application area for the commercial recovery permit, TMC USA-A_2, covers a total combined area of 25,160 square kilometers in the CCZ which includes areas that contain the Company’s already indicated and measured resources. TMC USA also submitted two exploration license applications: TMC USA-A and TMC USA-B with a total combined area of 187,017 square kilometers. The Company believes the TMC USA-A and USA-B exploration areas contain SEC SK 1300-compliant resources of 1.635 billion wet tonnes of polymetallic nodules supported by existing issued technical report summaries, with an additional estimated 300 million tonnes of potential exploration upside. The resources are estimated to contain approximately 15.5 million tonnes of nickel, 12.8 million tonnes of copper, 2.0 million tonnes of cobalt, and 345 million tonnes of manganese.

Previous wording

On May 12, 2025, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain new and existing investors, including an existing strategic investor, for the sale of an aggregate of 12,333,333 common shares (the "Shares") and accompanying Class C warrants (the "Class C Warrants"), in a registered direct offering. The offering price was $3.00 per Share, resulting in gross proceeds of $37.0 million ($36.75 million after associated fees), with each Share including an accompanying Class C Warrant to purchase one common share. The Class C Warrants are exercisable immediately upon issuance at a price of $4.50 per share and expire three years from issuance.

Current wording

On May 12, 2025, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain new and existing investors, including an existing strategic investor, for the sale of an aggregate of 12,333,333 common shares (the “Shares”) and accompanying Class C warrants (the “Class C Warrants”), in a registered direct offering. The offering price was $3.00 per Share, resulting in gross proceeds of $37.0 million ($36.75 million after associated fees), with each Share including an accompanying Class C Warrant to purchase one common share. The Class C Warrants are exercisable immediately upon issuance at a price of $4.50 per share and expire three years from issuance. The Class C Warrants include customary anti-dilution protections and a repurchase feature, permitting the Company to repurchase the warrants for $0.0001 per Common Share underlying the Class C Warrants if the volume-weighted average price of the Company’s common shares exceeds $7.00 per share for each trading day in a consecutive 20-trading-day period.

Previous wording

TMC USA initiated pre-application consultations with NOAA in the first quarter of 2025 and, following those discussions, submitted its applications in April 2025. These are now under agency review. Each application includes the full environmental, technical, financial, and operational data required under DSHMRA and the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA. The NOAA review process includes a determination whether applications for exploration licenses are in full or substantial compliance with the applicable requirements under DSHMRA and its implementing regulations within 30 days of receipt and whether applications for a commercial recovery permit is complete within 60 days. NOAA is then expected to proceed with a full review of the applications, including interagency consultation with other U.S. government departments (including the Department of State, the Department of Defense, and the Environmental Protection Agency), preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement, or EIS, under NEPA, and a public comment period. NOAA will determine whether to issue the requested licenses and permit, and if so, under what terms and conditions. All licenses and permits issued under DSHMRA are subject to oversight, periodic reporting, and potential suspension or revocation for noncompliance or unforeseen environmental harm.

Current wording

TMC USA initiated pre-application consultations with NOAA in the first quarter of 2025 and, following those discussions, submitted its applications in April 2025. These are now under agency review. The NOAA review process includes a determination whether applications for exploration licenses are in full or substantial compliance with the applicable requirements under DSHMRA and its implementing regulations within 30 days of receipt and whether applications for a commercial recovery permit are complete within 60 days. NOAA has notified the Company that its exploration license applications are in substantial compliance with the applicable requirements. NOAA is then expected to proceed with a full review of the applications, including interagency consultation with other U.S. government departments (including the Department of State, the Department of Defense, and the Environmental Protection Agency), preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement, or EIS, under NEPA, and a public comment period. NOAA will determine whether to issue the requested licenses and permit, and if so, under what terms and conditions. All licenses and permits issued under DSHMRA are subject to oversight, periodic reporting, and potential suspension or revocation for noncompliance or unforeseen environmental harm.

Previous wording

NORI, our wholly-owned subsidiary, holds exploration rights to four blocks (NORI Area A, B, C, and D, the “NORI Contract Area”) covering 74,830 square kilometers in the CCZ that were granted by the ISA in July 2011. NORI is sponsored by Nauru pursuant to a certificate of sponsorship signed by the Government of Nauru on April 11, 2011. The D block of the NORI area (“NORI Area D”) is the seafloor parcel where we have performed the most resource definition and environmental work to date. NORI commissioned AMC Consulting Ltd (“AMC”), a leading mining consulting firm, to undertake an Initial Economic Assessment of the mineral resource contained in NORI Area D and to compile a technical report compliant with Canadian National Instrument (NI 43-101), which was completed in March 2021. AMC subsequently compiled the NORI Technical Report Summary, dated March 2021, which included an initial assessment and an economic analysis of NORI Area D prepared in accordance with the SEC’s Modernization of Property Disclosures for Mining Registrants set forth in subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K (the “SEC Mining Rules”). The NORI Technical Report Summary is filed as Exhibit 96.1 to this Annual Report. See Item 2 entitled “Properties” included in this Annual Report for additional information about the 2021 economic analysis of NORI Area D.

Current wording

NORI, our wholly-owned subsidiary, holds exploration rights to four blocks (NORI Area A, B, C, and D, the “NORI Contract Area”) covering 74,830 square kilometers in the CCZ that were granted by the ISA in July 2011. NORI is sponsored by Nauru pursuant to a certificate of sponsorship signed by the Government of Nauru on April 11, 2011. The D block of the NORI area (“NORI Area D”) is the seafloor parcel where we have performed the most resource definition and environmental work to date. NORI commissioned AMC Consulting Ltd (“AMC”), a leading mining consulting firm, to undertake an Initial Economic Assessment of the mineral resource contained in NORI Area D and to compile a technical report compliant with Canadian National Instrument (NI 43-101), which was completed in March 2021. AMC subsequently compiled the NORI Technical Report Summary, dated March 2021, which included an initial assessment and an economic analysis of NORI Area D prepared in accordance with the SEC’s Modernization of Property Disclosures for Mining Registrants set forth in subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K (the “SEC Mining Rules”).

Previous wording

TOML, our wholly-owned subsidiary which we acquired in March 2020, holds exploration rights to an area covering 74,713 square kilometers in the CCZ that were granted by the ISA in January 2012 (the “TOML Contract Area”). On March 8, 2008, Tonga and TOML entered into a sponsorship agreement formalizing certain obligations of the parties in relation to TOML’s exploration application to the ISA (subsequently granted) for the TOML Contract Area. The sponsorship agreement was updated on September 23, 2021. TOML commissioned a Technical Report Summary by AMC, dated March 2021, which is filed as Exhibit 96.2 to this Annual Report.

Current wording

TOML, our wholly-owned subsidiary which we acquired in March 2020, holds exploration rights to an area covering 74,713 square kilometers in the CCZ that were granted by the ISA in January 2012 (the “TOML Contract Area”). On March 8, 2008, Tonga and TOML entered into a sponsorship agreement formalizing certain obligations of the parties in relation to TOML’s exploration application to the ISA (subsequently granted) for the TOML Contract Area. The sponsorship agreement was updated on August 4, 2025. TOML commissioned a Technical Report Summary by AMC, dated March 2021.

Previous wording

We are an exploration-stage company with no revenue to date and a net loss of $20.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to a net loss of $25.2 million in the same period of 2024. We have an accumulated deficit of approximately $652.0 million from inception through March 31, 2025.

Current wording

We are an exploration-stage company with no revenue to date and a net loss of $74.3 million and $94.9 million for three and six months ended June 30, 2025, respectively, compared to a net loss of $20.2 million and $45.4 million in the same period of 2024, respectively. We have an accumulated deficit of approximately $726.4 million from inception through June 30, 2025.

Previous wording

The foreign exchange gain or loss for the periods reported primarily relates to our cash held in Canadian dollars and to the settlement of costs incurred in foreign currencies, depending on either the strengthening or weakening of the U.S. dollar.

Current wording

The foreign exchange gain or loss for the periods reported primarily relates to unrealized gain or loss due to revaluation of foreign denominated accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

Previous wording

The following is a discussion of our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024. Our accounting policies are described in Note 3 “Significant Accounting Policies” in our financial statements filed as part of the 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Current wording

The following is a discussion of our results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024. Our accounting policies are described in Note 3 “Significant Accounting Policies” in our financial statements filed as part of the 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Previous wording

Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 and 2024

Current wording

Comparison of the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 and 2024

Previous wording

We reported a net loss of approximately $20.6 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to a net loss of $25.2 million in the same period of 2024. The following explains the major reasons for the decrease in the net loss in the first quarter of 2025.

Current wording

We reported a net loss of approximately $74.3 million in the second quarter of 2025, compared to a net loss of $20.2 million in the same period of 2024. The following explains the major reasons for the increase in the net loss in the second quarter of 2025.

Previous wording

G&A expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2025 were $8.5 million compared to $6.6 million for the same period in 2024. The increase of $1.9 million in G&A expenses was mainly to the result of an increase in share-based compensation of $2.2 million due to the amortization of the fair value of RSUs and options granted to the directors and officers in the second quarter of 2024, partially offset by a decrease of $0.3 million in legal costs in the first quarter of 2025.

Current wording

G&A expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2025 were $11.5 million compared to $7.9 million for the same period in 2024. The increase of $3.6 million in G&A expenses was mainly the result of an increase in share-based compensation of $1 million due to the amortization of the fair value of RSUs and options granted to the directors and officers in the second quarter of 2024, an increase of $2 million in consulting costs to pursue the U.S. regulatory route and financing activities.

Previous wording

The interest charged on the Company’s short-term debt borrowings was $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2025 ($nil for the same period of 2024), while interest on drawn amounts on the Company’s credit facilities was $0.1 million and underutilization fees on these same facilities was $0.7 million in the first quarter of 2025 ($nil and $0.3 million over the same periods in 2024, respectively).

Current wording

The interest charged on the Company’s short-term debt borrowings was $0.1 million in the second quarter of 2025 ($nil for the same period of 2024), while interest on drawn amounts on the Company’s credit facilities was $0.1 million and underutilization fees on these same facilities was $0.6 million in the second quarter of 2025 ($0.1 and $0.4 million over the same periods in 2024, respectively).

Previous wording

Exploration and evaluation expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2025 were $9.5 million, compared to $18.1 million for the same period in 2024. The decrease of $8.6 million is primarily due to a decrease in mining, technological and process development of $8.6 million as the comparative quarter of 2024 included costs incurred on the transportation of nodules to PAMCO’s facility in Japan, resource definition costs incurred during Campaign 8 which was completed in the first quarter of 2024 and lower costs incurred on environmental and prefeasibility studies, partially offset by an increase in share-based compensation of $0.9 million due to the amortization of the fair value of RSUs and options granted to the officers in the second quarter of 2024.

Current wording

Exploration and evaluation expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2025 were $20.0 million, compared to $30.5 million for the same period in 2024. The decrease of $10.5 million was primarily due to an decrease of $11 million in mining, technological and process development cost and a decrease of $1.2 million incurred on environmental studies as the costs incurred in the first six months of 2024 were higher on account of transit costs of the Allseas vessel in the first quarter of 2024, transportation of nodules to PAMCO’s facility in Japan and due to Campaign 8 which was completed in the first quarter of 2024, offset by increase in share-based compensation of $1.2 million due to amortization of the fair value of RSUs and options granted to the officers in the second quarter of 2024.

Previous wording

Our primary sources of financing have come from private placements and public offerings of Common Shares and warrants, the issuance of convertible debentures and from credit facilities. As of March 31, 2025, we had cash on hand of $2.3 million.

Current wording

Our primary sources of financing have come from private placements and public offerings of Common Shares and warrants, the issuance of convertible debentures and from credit facilities. As of June 30, 2025, we had cash on hand of $115.8 million.

Previous wording

In light of the significant deficit in expected funding following the closing of the Business Combination in September 2021, we adopted what we call a “capital-light” strategy whereby we removed any allocation of funds to capital expenditures that were not deemed necessary to support the submission of an application for an exploitation contract for the NORI contract area, and by negotiating the settlement of program expenditures with our equity whenever possible.

Current wording

In light of the significant deficit in expected funding following the closing of the Business Combination in September 2021, we adopted what we call a “capital-light” strategy whereby we removed any allocation of funds to capital expenditures that were not deemed necessary to support the submission of an application for a commercial recovery permit contract for the TMC USA-A area, and by negotiating the settlement of program expenditures with our equity whenever possible.

Previous wording

We expect to incur significant expenses and operating losses for the foreseeable future, as we advance our application to NOAA for exploration licenses and a commercial recovery permit and preparation for potential commercialization. Based on our cash balance and availability of borrowing under our credit facility with ERAS Capital LLC and Gerard Barron, when compared with our forecasted cash expenditures, we believe we will have sufficient funds to meet our obligations that become due within the next twelve months. Our estimates used in reaching this conclusion are based on information available as at the date of filing this Quarterly Report. Accordingly, actual results could differ from these estimates and resulting variances may result in our need for additional funding in an amount greater or earlier than expected, due to changes in business conditions or other developments, including, but not limited to, deferral of approvals, capital and operating cost escalation, currently unrecognized technical and development challenges, our ability to pay certain vendors or suppliers in our Common Shares or changes in external business environment.

Current wording

Based on our current cash balance, when compared with our forecasted cash expenditures, we believe we will have sufficient funds to meet our obligations that become due within the next twelve months. Our estimates used in reaching this conclusion are based on information available as at the date of filing this Quarterly Report. Accordingly, actual results could differ from these estimates and resulting variances may result in our need for additional funding in an amount greater or earlier than expected, due to changes in business conditions or other developments, including, but not limited to, deferral of approvals, capital and operating cost escalation, currently unrecognized technical and development challenges, our ability to pay certain vendors or suppliers in our Common Shares or changes in external business environment.

Previous wording

On September 16, 2022, we filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC, which the SEC declared effective on October 14, 2022, to sell up to $100 million of securities, which includes the $30 million that may be sold under the At-the-Market Equity Distribution Agreement discussed below and the Common Shares and shares underlying the Class A Warrants issued in the Registered Direct Offering. In addition, on November 30, 2023, we filed an additional registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC, which the SEC declared effective on December 8, 2023, to sell up to an additional $100 million of securities. Securities that may be sold under the registration statements include common shares, preferred shares, debt securities, warrants and units. Any such offering, if it does occur, may happen in one or more transactions. Specific terms of any securities to be sold will be described in supplemental filings with the SEC.

Current wording

On September 16, 2022, we filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC, which the SEC declared effective on October 14, 2022, to sell up to $100 million of securities. In addition, on November 30, 2023, we filed an additional registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC, which the SEC declared effective on December 8, 2023, to sell up to an additional $100 million of securities. Securities that may be sold under the registration statements include common shares, preferred shares, debt securities, warrants and units. Any such offering, if it does occur, may happen in one or more transactions. Specific terms of any securities to be sold under these registration statements will be described in supplemental filings with the SEC. As previously disclosed, the capacity under these registration statements is used as part of our capital raising strategy and we plan to file a new registration statement for the issuance of additional securities in the future.

Previous wording

On December 22, 2022, we entered into an At-the-Market Equity Distribution Agreement (the “Sales Agreement”) with Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (“Stifel”) and Wedbush Securities Inc., as sales agents, allowing us, from time to time, to issue and sell Common Shares with an aggregate offering price of up to $30 million. On December 21, 2023, we amended the Sales Agreement to remove Stifel as a sales agent. The offer and sales of the shares are made under our effective “shelf” registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on September 16, 2022, which the SEC declared effective on October 14, 2022. No funds were raised from the Sales Agreement in the fourth quarter of 2024, while for the 2024 year, we sold 3,251,590 Common Shares for gross proceeds of $4.9 million under this offering.

Current wording

On December 22, 2022, we entered into an At-the-Market Equity Distribution Agreement (the “Sales Agreement”) with Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (“Stifel”) and Wedbush Securities Inc., as sales agents, allowing us, from time to time, to issue and sell Common Shares with an aggregate offering price of up to $30 million. On December 21, 2023, we amended the Sales Agreement to remove Stifel as a sales agent. The offer and sales of the shares are made under our effective “shelf” registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on September 16, 2022, which the SEC declared effective on October 14, 2022. In 2024 we sold 3,251,590 Common Shares for gross proceeds of $4.9 million under this offering. In the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, we issued 4,567,770 and 7,542,996 common shares, respectively, at an average share price of $2.08 and $2.02, for net proceeds of $9.2 million and $14.8 million respectively. As of the date of this Quarterly Report, $9.8 million remains available for sale under the Sales Agreement.

Previous wording

On March 22, 2024, we entered into the 2024 Credit Facility with Gerard Barron, our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, and ERAS Capital LLC, the family fund of our director, Andrei Karkar, pursuant to which, we may borrow from the 2024 Lenders up to $20 million in the aggregate ($10 million from each of the 2024 Lenders), from time to time, subject to certain conditions. All amounts drawn under the 2024 Credit Facility will bear interest at the 6-month SOFR, 180-day average plus 4.0% per annum payable in cash semi-annually (or plus 5% if paid-in-kind at maturity, at our election) on the first business day of each of June and January. We will pay an underutilization fee equal to 4.0% per annum payable semi-annually for any amounts that remain undrawn under the 2024 Credit Facility. We have the right to pre-pay the entire amount outstanding under the 2024 Credit Facility at any time, before the 2024 Credit Facility’s maturity of December 31, 2025. The 2024 Credit Facility also contains customary events of default. The 2024 Credit Facility will terminate automatically if we or any of our subsidiaries raise at least $50 million in the aggregate (i) through the issuance of any of our or our subsidiaries’ debt or equity securities, or (ii) in prepayments under an off-take agreement or similar commercial agreement. On August 13, 2024, we entered into the First Amendment to the 2024 Credit Facility to increase the borrowing limit to $25 million in the aggregate ($12.5 million from each of the 2024 Lenders). Under the terms of the First Amendment, the borrowing limit was due to return to the initial $20 million in the aggregate ($10 million from each of the 2024 Lenders) upon certain financing events. On November 14, 2024, we entered into the Second Amendment to the 2024 Credit Facility with ERAS Capital LLC and Gerard Barron, to increase the borrowing limit to $38 million in the aggregate ($19 million from each of the 2024 Lenders) and to extend the maturity of the 2024 Credit Facility to December 31, 2025. As per the Second Amendment, the rate of underutilization fee was retroactively increased from 4% to 6.5% on any undrawn amounts under the 2024 Credit Facility. On January 30, 2025, we repaid $1.8 million from the drawn amount, leaving a balance of $2.5 million drawn under the 2024 Credit Facility, as of the date of this Annual Report. With the January 2025 repayment, the borrowing limit on the 2024 Credit Facility was reduced to $36.2 million ($17.2 million from Gerard Barron and $19 million from ERAS Capital LLC). On March 26, 2025, we entered into the Third Amendment to the 2024 Credit Facility with the 2024 Lenders, to, among other things, increase the borrowing limit to $44 million in the aggregate ($22 million from each of the 2024 Lenders) and extend the maturity of the 2024 Credit Facility to June 30, 2026.

Current wording

On March 22, 2024, we entered into the 2024 Credit Facility with Gerard Barron, our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, and ERAS Capital LLC, the family fund of our director, Andrei Karkar, pursuant to which, we may borrow from the 2024 Lenders up to $20 million in the aggregate ($10 million from each of the 2024 Lenders), from time to time, subject to certain conditions. All amounts drawn under the 2024 Credit Facility will bear interest at the 6-month SOFR, 180-day average plus 4.0% per annum payable in cash semi-annually (or plus 5% if paid-in-kind at maturity, at our election) on the first business day of each of June and January. We will pay an underutilization fee equal to 4.0% per annum payable semi-annually for any amounts that remain undrawn under the 2024 Credit Facility. We have the right to pre-pay the entire amount outstanding under the 2024 Credit Facility at any time, before the 2024 Credit Facility’s maturity of December 31, 2025. The 2024 Credit Facility also contains customary events of default. The 2024 Credit Facility will terminate automatically if we or any of our subsidiaries raise at least $50 million in the aggregate (i) through the issuance of any of our or our subsidiaries’ debt or equity securities, or (ii) in prepayments under an off-take agreement or similar commercial agreement. On August 13, 2024, we entered into the First Amendment to the 2024 Credit Facility to increase the borrowing limit to $25 million in the aggregate ($12.5 million from each of the 2024 Lenders). Under the terms of the First Amendment, the borrowing limit was due to return to the initial $20 million in the aggregate ($10 million from each of the 2024 Lenders) upon certain financing events. On November 14, 2024, we entered into the Second Amendment to the 2024 Credit Facility with ERAS Capital LLC and Gerard Barron, to increase the borrowing limit to $38 million in the aggregate ($19 million from each of the 2024 Lenders) and to extend the maturity of the 2024 Credit Facility to December 31, 2025. As per the Second Amendment, the rate of underutilization fee was retroactively increased from 4% to 6.5% on any undrawn amounts under the 2024 Credit Facility. On January 30, 2025, we repaid $1.8 million from the drawn amount, leaving a balance of $2.5 million drawn under the 2024 Credit Facility, as of the date of this Quarterly Report. With the January 2025 repayment, the borrowing limit on the 2024 Credit Facility was reduced to $36.2 million ($17.2 million from Gerard Barron and $19 million from ERAS Capital LLC). On March 26, 2025, we entered into the Third Amendment to the 2024 Credit Facility with the 2024 Lenders, to, among other things, increase the borrowing limit to $44 million in the aggregate ($22 million from each of the 2024 Lenders) and extend the maturity of the 2024 Credit Facility to June 30, 2026.

Previous wording

On September 9, 2024, we entered into a Working Capital Loan Agreement with Allseas Investments, a company related to Allseas. In accordance with the Working Capital Loan Agreement, Allseas Investments provided a loan to us amounting to $5 million (the “Working Capital Loan”) on September 10, 2024, to be used towards general corporate purposes and the repayment of all outstanding amounts under the Short-Term Loan between us and the Lender. The Working Capital Loan is payable to the Lender on or before the earlier of (i) the occurrence of certain financing events and (ii) April 1, 2025 (the “Repayment Date”). The Working Capital Loan will bear interest based on the 6-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate, 180-day average plus a margin of 4.0% per annum and is payable in two installments on January 2, 2025, and the Repayment Date (or plus a margin of 5.0% if all interest payments are deferred to the Repayment Date, at our election). On October 18, 2024, we entered into the First Amendment to the Working Capital Loan Agreement with Allseas Investments, resulting in a further draw of $2.5 million by us and a total Working Capital Loan drawn amount of $7.5 million. On March 24, 2025, we entered into the Letter Agreement with Allseas Investments and Argentum Cedit Virtuti GCV, pursuant to which the repayment date under the Working Capital Loan Agreement was extended to September 30, 2025.

Current wording

On September 9, 2024, we entered into a Working Capital Loan Agreement with Allseas Investments, a company related to Allseas. In accordance with the Working Capital Loan Agreement, Allseas Investments provided a loan to us amounting to $5 million (the “Working Capital Loan”) on September 10, 2024, to be used towards general corporate purposes and the repayment of all outstanding amounts under the Short-Term Loan between us and the Lender. The Working Capital Loan is payable to the Lender on or before the earlier of (i) the occurrence of certain financing events and (ii) April 1, 2025 (the “Repayment Date”). The Working Capital Loan will bear interest based on the 6-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate, 180-day average plus a margin of 4.0% per annum and is payable in two installments on January 2, 2025, and the Repayment Date (or plus a margin of 5.0% if all interest payments are deferred to the Repayment Date, at our election). On October 18, 2024, we entered into the First Amendment to the Working Capital Loan Agreement with Allseas Investments, resulting in a further draw of $2.5 million by us and a total Working Capital Loan drawn amount of $7.5 million. On March 24, 2025, we entered into the Letter Agreement with Allseas Investments and Argentum Cedit Virtuti GCV, pursuant to which the repayment date under the Working Capital Loan Agreement was extended to September 30, 2025. In the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, the entire Working Capital Loan amount along with the interest payable was repaid and the facility was cancelled.

Previous wording

On May 12, 2025, we entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “2025 Purchase Agreement”) with certain new and existing investors, including an existing strategic investor, for the sale of an aggregate of 12,333,333 common shares and accompanying Class C Warrants, in a registered direct offering. The offering price was $3.00 per Share, with each Share including an accompanying Class C Warrant to purchase one common share. The Class C Warrants are exercisable immediately upon issuance at a price of $4.50 per share and expire three years from issuance.

Current wording

On May 12, 2025, we entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “2025 Purchase Agreement”) with certain new and existing investors, including an existing strategic investor, for the sale of an aggregate of 12,333,333 common shares and accompanying Class C Warrants, in a registered direct offering, for gross proceeds of $37 million, of which $30 million was received by the end of June 2025 and $7 million was received in early July 2025. The offering price was $3.00 per Share, with each Share including an accompanying Class C Warrant to purchase one common share. The Class C Warrants are exercisable immediately upon issuance at a price of $4.50 per share and expire three years from issuance.

Previous wording

We may receive up to approximately $314 million in aggregate gross proceeds from cash exercises of the Public Warrants, the Private Warrants, the Class A Warrants and the Class B Warrants, based on the per share exercise price of such warrants. However, the exercise price for the outstanding Public Warrants and Private Warrants is $11.50 per common share and there can be no assurance that such warrants will be in the money prior to their expiration, and as such, such warrants may expire worthless. Based on the current trading price of our Common Shares we do not expect to receive any proceeds from the exercise of the Public Warrants and Private Warrants unless there is a significant increase in the price of our Common Shares. In certain circumstances, the Public Warrants and Private Warrants may be exercised on a cashless basis and the proceeds from the exercise of such warrants will decrease. Furthermore, even if the warrants will be in the money, the holders of the warrants are not obligated to exercise their warrants, and we cannot predict whether holders of the warrants will choose to exercise all or any of their warrants. In addition, the exercise price to purchase one Common Share under the outstanding Class A Warrants and Class B Warrants is $2.00 (subject to customary adjustments) and there can be no assurance that such warrants will be exercised prior to their expiration, and as such, such warrants may expire, and we will not receive any proceeds from the exercise thereof.

Current wording

We may receive up to approximately $437 million in aggregate gross proceeds from cash exercises of the Public Warrants, the Private Warrants, the Class A Warrants and the Class B Warrants, Class C Warrants, and Warrants issued to Korea Zinc and Republic of Nauru based on the per share exercise price of such warrants. However, the exercise price for the outstanding Public Warrants and Private Warrants is $11.50 per common share and there can be no assurance that such warrants will be in the money prior to their expiration, and as such, such warrants may expire worthless. Based on the current trading price of our Common Shares we do not expect to receive any proceeds from the exercise of the Public Warrants and Private Warrants unless there is a significant increase in the price of our Common Shares. In certain circumstances, the Public Warrants and Private Warrants may be exercised on a cashless basis and the proceeds from the exercise of such warrants will decrease. Furthermore, even if the warrants will be in the money, the holders of the warrants are not obligated to exercise their warrants, and we cannot predict whether holders of the warrants will choose to exercise all or any of their warrants. The warrants issued to the Republic of Nauru can only be exercised after the commercial recovery permit is received and commercial production commences and there can be no assurance that the exercise conditions will be met prior to their expiration. In addition, the exercise price to purchase one Common Share under the outstanding Class A Warrants and Class B Warrants is $2.00 each, Class C Warrants is $4.5, warrants issued to Korea Zinc is $7 and warrants issued to Republic of Nauru is $4.72 (subject to customary adjustments) and there can be no assurance that such warrants will be exercised prior to their expiration, and as such, such warrants may expire, and we will not receive any proceeds from the exercise thereof.

Previous wording

For the three months ended March 31, 2025, major operating activities included advanced work on pre-feasibility studies and work to advance our permit applications, resulting in net cash used in operating activities of $9.3 million. This consisted of $3 million on various environmental work, $2.6 million on payroll costs, $1.5 million on stakeholder engagement, $1 million on legal and consulting fees and an additional $1.2 million for various expenses. Net cash used in operating activities in the first three months of 2024, amounted to $11.9 million, and included costs on the final stage of Campaign 8, as well as advanced work on engineering and pre-feasibility studies.

Current wording

For the six months ended June 30, 2024, major operating activities over this period involved Campaign 8, as well as advanced work on engineering and pre-feasibility studies as we advance towards our application to the ISA for an exploitation contract and prepare for potential future commercial production. Net cash used in operating activities in the first half of 2024, amounted to $23.9 million, and consisted mainly of $12.1 million on various environmental work, $3.6 million on personnel costs, $2.8 million on legal, advisory and consulting, $1.5 million for sponsorship, training and stakeholder engagement support, $1.8 million spent on engineering and pre-feasibility studies, $1.1 million on communication and business development expenses, and additional payments of $1 million for various expenses.

Previous wording

Net cash provided by investing activities for three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 represent the purchase of equipment and software development.

Current wording

Net cash generated by investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was $0.2 million which included proceeds from the return of capital from Low Carbon Royalties offset by the purchase of equipment and software development. In the comparative period of 2024, $0.4 million was spent on acquisition of equipment and software development.

Previous wording

Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $8.3 million, which comprised of proceeds received from the Registered Direct Offering announced in November 2024 of $5 million (less fees of $0.5 million), proceeds from shares issued from our ATM of $5.6 million and the repayment of short-term debt of $1.8 million, while the first three months of 2024 results represent the cash received from the 2023 Registered Direct Offering of $9 million (less fees of $0.1 million) and proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $0.2 million.

Current wording

Net cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was $132.1 million, which comprised of net cash proceeds received from the Korea Zinc investment of $85.2 million, net proceeds from the 2025 Registered Direct Offerings of $30.0 million, the remaining net proceeds from the 2024 Registered Direct Offerings of $4.5 million, proceeds from shares issued from ATM of $14.8 million and proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants of $6.9 million. This increase was partially offset by repayments totaling $9.3 million on our credit facilities and on the Allseas Working Capital loan.

Previous wording

As part of the NORI Exploration Contract with the ISA, NORI submitted a periodic review report to the ISA which included a five-year plan covering 2022 to 2026: NORI is currently implementing its approved five-year plan. The cost of the estimated work plan for 2025 onwards is dependent on NORI’s current five-year plan and any future approved exploration contract extension program of work. Work plans are reviewed annually by us, agreed with the ISA and may be subject to change depending on our progress to date. NORI’s exploration contract expires on July 21, 2026. NORI is required to submit an application for extension no later than six months before the expiration of the contract. NORI intends to submit an application for a five-year extension in 2025.

Current wording

As part of the NORI Exploration Contract with the ISA, NORI submitted a periodic review report to the ISA which included a five-year plan covering 2022 to 2026: NORI is currently implementing its approved five-year plan. The cost of the estimated work plan for 2025 onwards is dependent on NORI’s current five-year plan and any future approved exploration contract extension program of work. Work plans are reviewed annually by us, agreed with the ISA and may be subject to change depending on our progress to date. NORI’s exploration contract expires on July 21, 2026. NORI is required to submit an application for extension no later than six months before the expiration of the contract. NORI intends to submit an application for a five-year extension in early 2026.

Previous wording

As part of the TOML Exploration Contract with the ISA, TOML submitted a periodic review report to the ISA which included a five-year plan covering 2022 to 2026: TOML is currently implementing its approved plan, which included an estimated five-year expenditure of up to $44 million. The five-year estimated expenditure is indicative and subject to change, TOML will review the program regularly and TOML will inform the ISA of any changes through its annual reports.

Current wording

As part of the TOML Exploration Contract with the ISA, TOML submitted a periodic review report to the ISA which included a five-year plan covering 2022 to 2026: TOML is currently implementing its approved plan, which included an estimated five-year expenditure of up to $44 million. The five-year estimated expenditure is indicative and subject to change, TOML will review the program regularly and TOML will inform the ISA of any changes through its annual reports. TOML intends to submit an application for a five-year extension in 2026.

Previous wording

Under ISA requirements, both TOML and NORI require sponsorship from their host sponsoring nations, Tonga and Nauru, respectively. Each company has been registered and incorporated within the applicable host nation’s jurisdiction. The ISA requires that a contractor must obtain and maintain sponsorship by a host nation that is a member of the ISA, and such state must maintain effective supervision and regulatory control over such sponsored contractor. Each of TOML and NORI is subject to the registration and incorporation requirements of these nations. In the event the sponsorship is otherwise terminated, such subsidiary will be required to obtain new sponsorship from another state that is a member of the ISA. Failure to obtain such new sponsorship would have a material impact on the operations of such subsidiary and us.

Current wording

Under ISA requirements, both TOML and NORI require sponsorship from their host sponsoring nations, Tonga and Nauru, respectively. Each company has been registered and incorporated within the applicable host nation’s jurisdiction. The ISA requires that a contractor must obtain and maintain sponsorship by a host nation that is a member of the ISA, and such state must maintain effective supervision and regulatory control over such sponsored contractor. Each of TOML and NORI is subject to the registration and incorporation requirements of these nations. In the event the sponsorship is otherwise terminated, such subsidiary will be required to obtain new sponsorship from another state that is a member of the ISA. Failure to obtain such new sponsorship could have a material impact on the operations of such subsidiary and us.

Previous wording

On July 5, 2017, Nauru, the Nauru Seabed Minerals Authority and NORI entered into the NORI Sponsorship Agreement formalizing certain obligations of the parties in relation to NORI’s exploration and potential exploitation of the NORI Area. Upon reaching the minimum recovery level within the exploitation contract area, NORI will pay Nauru a seabed mineral recovery payment based on the polymetallic nodules recovered from the exploitation contract area. In addition, NORI will pay an administration fee each year to Nauru for such administration and sponsorship, which is subject to review and increase in the event NORI is granted an ISA exploitation contract. NORI is in discussions with the Government of Nauru to renegotiate the existing sponsorship agreement and has also committed to ensuring NORI pays corporate income tax within Nauru, assuming our future operations are ultimately profitable.

Current wording

On July 5, 2017, Nauru, the Nauru Seabed Minerals Authority and NORI entered into the NORI Sponsorship Agreement formalizing certain obligations of the parties in relation to NORI’s exploration and potential exploitation of the NORI Area. NORI is required to pay an administration fee each year to Nauru for such administration and sponsorship, which is subject to review and increase in the event NORI is granted an ISA exploitation contract. On May 29, 2025, NORI and the Government of Nauru entered into an updated sponsorship agreement that superseded the 2017 agreement and reaffirms the Government of Nauru’s sponsorship of NORI under the ISA regime. Under the revised agreement, the Government of Nauru and NORI agreed to certain updated payment and taxation commitments, including NORI’s commitment to pay corporate income tax within Nauru assuming future NORI operations are ultimately profitable. NORI also committed to maintaining its in-country investments and presence.