The Deep-Sea Gold Rush: TMC and Korea Zinc's $85M Stake in America's Mineral Independence

Bull Market Alert! The metals sector just got a jolt of adrenaline. Today, I'm talking about a partnership that could redefine how the U.S. secures its critical mineral future—TMC The Metals Company and Korea Zinc's $85.2 million deal, set to close on June 26. This isn't just a stock boost; it's a geopolitical game-changer.

Let's break this down. Korea Zinc, a global refining titan, is buying 5% of TMC via 19.6 million shares at $4.34 each, plus a three-year warrant to acquire an additional 6.9 million shares at $7.00. That's not a casual “we think you might be okay” investment—that's a strategic bet on TMC's deep-seabed mining model. Why? Because Korea Zinc sees nodules as the future of cobalt, nickel, copper, and manganese—metals vital for electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable infrastructure.

This deal isn't just about money. It's about vertical integration. Korea Zinc's expertise in refining and precursor cathode active material (pCAM) production pairs perfectly with TMC's polymetallic nodules. Instead of relying on China's stranglehold on these supply chains—$85 million says we're cutting that cord.

Why This Partnership Matters for U.S. Policy

President Trump's April 2025 Executive Order to fast-track seabed mining permits isn't a typo. TMC just submitted the first commercial recovery permit application to NOAA under the 1980 Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act. This partnership is a direct response to U.S. critical mineral strategy: secure domestic supply, bypass China, and leverage low-environmental-impact resources.

The nodules TMC targets are sitting on the seafloor, requiring no blasting or deforestation—a stark contrast to land-based mining. That's a win for ESG-conscious investors and regulators. And with Korea Zinc's R&D team already testing bulk samples, this isn't a “maybe someday” idea—it's moving toward commercialization faster than skeptics thought.

The Bigger Play: Bypassing China

China dominates 60% of global refining capacity for critical minerals. TMC + Korea Zinc's U.S. joint facilities could flip that script. By 2026, they aim to produce refined metals and battery materials stateside—no more relying on Beijing's whims. For investors, this isn't just a supply chain play; it's a national security multiplier.

Risks? Yes. But the Rewards Are Bigger

Let's call the elephants in the room: regulatory hurdles, environmental opposition, and the technical unknowns of deep-seabed mining. TMC's permit application isn't a done deal, and critics will pounce on any misstep.

But here's why I'm still bullish:
1. Korea Zinc's credibility shields TMC from some skepticism.
2. The Q3 2025 pre-feasibility study will deliver hard data on costs and scalability.
3. Trump's EO isn't just political theater—it's a signal to agencies to greenlight this.

Buy TMCC—But Keep Your Seatbelt Tight

This is a call option on U.S. critical mineral independence. At current prices, TMC is undervalued relative to its long-term potential. The Korea Zinc deal is a catalyst—imagine what a permit approval or positive PFS results could do to the stock.

Action Alert: Buy TMCC now, but set a stop-loss below $3.50 to protect against regulatory setbacks. Pair this with long-term holds in battery plays like LIT (Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF) to diversify your critical mineral portfolio.

The U.S. needs its own “Troika Drive”—and TMC's partnership is the first train out of the station. Buckle up—this could be the start of a mining revolution.

Remember: Investing is like dating—always do your homework and never put all your eggs in one basket. Keep your risk appetite sharp, and stay hungry for the next big move.