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I wanted to let you know that in the past days NOAA has written to us with an update. It now expects to decide on certification of the TMC USA-A consolidated application by mid-December 2026, instead of the end of October. Importantly, the letter does not identify any issue or deficiency with our application. The regulator is following the statute step by step. That matters. Our path runs through a law that has been on the books since 1980 and a regulator that is applying it methodically. That is what makes a permit last. Metal independence isn't a partisan issue. It's about whether the West secures the critical minerals it needs or stays dependent on China. We appreciate a thorough review, and we're engaged with NOAA at every step. Also I'm excited to be in Japan this week for the Underwater Minerals Conference, where I'll be attending for the first time to watch $TMC's enviro team showcasing findings shaping this industry's future. With world-first commercial-scale plume modelling published yesterday and almost a dozen presentations drawing on our data, it's shaping up to be quite a week. #deepseamining

This is how we gently collect these remarkable rocks

Many $TMC investors have questions about USG funding for the Brownsville plant, the USA-A certification and the USA-B lawsuit. Some speculate if these issues can explain the falling stock price. I personally believe the decline is not based on anything fundamental, and we have seen periods like this over the years where negativity can feed on itself. While I don't have tangible news to share just yet, I can offer some color on why I remain very confident. USG funding for the Brownsville plant: TMC USA, together with our partner Mariana Minerals, are committed to building a domestic nodule processing and refining facility in the United States, but with one caveat. It has to be in the best interests of our shareholders. The PFS/FS studies for staged construction are well under way, with a talented and motivated team working hard on the Brownsville project. But at the end of the day, the capital requirement is substantial and USG support is a prerequisite. Engagements with multiple U.S. agencies continue. The process is taking longer than we expected, but we aren't the only priority for these Government agencies, and it's evident that these agencies remain fully committed to resolving America's critical minerals shortages, and seafloor nodules remain a vital part of that solution. As CEO (and a substantial shareholder), my number one fiduciary duty is to the shareholders, and it is my job to minimize dilution as we build what could become a new American mining major. Access to capital matters, but so do deal terms. While these USG engagements are in progress, we do not intend to pursue other capital markets transactions. Our cash position remains robust. Japan remains open to us: As I made clear at our last earnings call, the capital-light option of sending nodules to Japan for processing on a tolling basis remains available to us. Our working relationship with PAMCO remains excellent, and this option provides us with maximum flexibility as we work towards first production. USA-A certification: Many of you expected certification in June based on the 100-day certification process envisioned in the DSHMRA statute. What we need to appreciate is that our consolidated application is the first of its kind under the new rules just adopted by NOAA in January this year. Getting the details right matters, even when it takes time. We remain in regular communication with NOAA and remain very optimistic about continued progress toward certification. USA-B litigation: Most mining permits in the United States are challenged by environmental NGOs; that's simply part of doing business here. We anticipated legal challenges and are prepared. In our view, the lawsuit against NOAA mischaracterizes the process. NOAA has not “greenlit” exploration—it certified our application to advance to further review. The process was thorough. Public comment has taken place, and environmental review is underway. A complaint is not a court ruling, and this case does not impact the USA-A application. Your voice matters, too. Public comments on the USA-A consolidated application are open through October 19, with a virtual hearing today. I encourage you to read the materials and participate via the link in the comments. My confidence remains strong. I’m invested alongside you—and focused on disciplined funding and delivering a critical minerals project at scale. #deepseamining

Thanks to the @NYTimes for inviting me to speak at Climate Forward yesterday. I’ve always believed we need to hold our beliefs lightly and remain open to new evidence as it emerges. The evidence increasingly supports polymetallic nodules as the best way to meet growing demand for the critical metals that power our energy, technology and industrial systems. The future is metallic. nytimes.com/2026/09/23/clima… $TMC