The Metals Company becomes the first company in the world to mine underwater minerals by applying for a license in international waters

Canada's The Metals Company (TMC) has applied for the first commercial mining permit in international waters, marking a major step in underwater mining. CEO Gerard Barron said his firm would gain unprecedented access to deep-sea resources, avoiding the involvement of the International Authority that regulates mining in international waters. TMC made the request through a US subsidiary, with the backing of Donald Trump.