TMC subsidiaries Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. (NORI) and Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd. (TOML) filed suit against the International Seabed Authority (ISA). The legal action, brought before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, seeks to suspend an investigation into alleged contract breaches. Public hearings on the matter commenced July 2, 2026.
The ISA launched its investigation in July 2025 following allegations that TMC bypassed international authority via U.S. domestic permitting. TMC argues the proceedings are procedurally unfair and claims the regulator denied access to evidence or defense opportunities.
The litigation is critical for NORI as its current exploration contract expires on July 22, 2026. The company asserts the ISA is using the investigation to intentionally delay a mandatory five-year contract extension.