TLDR
- TMC stock rose 28.8%, following an $85.2 million investment by Korea Zinc.
- Korea Zinc acquires 19.6M shares and warrants to purchase 6.9M more, gaining a 5% stake in TMC.
- The investment supports TMC’s U.S. critical mineral supply strategy.
- TMC appoints Michael Hess and Alex Spiro to its Board to strengthen U.S. operations.
- TMC’s year-to-date return stands at 512.93%, far surpassing the S&P 500.
TMC the metals company Inc. (NASDAQ: TMC) shares soared by 28.8% after announcing a major strategic investment. As of 12:21:35 PM EDT, the stock was trading at $6.96, marking an impressive gain driven by a new $85.2 million equity placement from Korea Zinc, a South Korean metal refining and pCAM technology leader.
TMC the metals company Inc. (TMC)
Korea Zinc’s Strategic Investment
Korea Zinc agreed to acquire 19.6 million common shares at $4.34 each, along with a three-year warrant to buy an additional 6.9 million shares at $7 apiece. Once completed, Korea Zinc will hold roughly 5% of TMC’s outstanding common shares. The transaction is expected to close by June 26, 2025.
TMC Announces Strategic Investment from Korea Zinc — a World-Leader in Non-Ferrous Metal Refining and pCAM Technology — to Advance Development of Deep-Seabed Critical Minerals in the U.S.
Read the press release: https://t.co/1xYUWEf0pE $TMC #deepseamining pic.twitter.com/5KSJLGL2tQ
— The Metals Company (@themetalsco) June 16, 2025
Korea Zinc is assessing polymetallic nodule material from TMC USA to explore refining and processing collaborations. It also expressed interest in establishing pCAM manufacturing capacity within the United States. This aligns with TMC’s ambition to secure a domestic critical mineral supply chain supporting energy, defense, and infrastructure sectors.
Board Strengthened With New Appointments
To bolster its U.S. strategy, TMC appointed Michael Hess and Alex Spiro to its Board of Directors. Hess, an investor with deep energy sector experience, is expected to guide TMC in expanding its influence across the U.S. mineral supply chain. His background includes roles at Goldman Sachs, KKR, and as CIO of Hess Capital.
Spiro, a prominent U.S. attorney and investor, brings expertise in regulation, governance, and capital markets. He is known for advising technology, mining, and energy firms on complex legal matters. Their appointments are timely, as TMC accelerates efforts to commence commercial polymetallic nodule recovery under the U.S. Deep-Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act.
Strong Market Performance
TMC’s market performance has been stellar in 2025. Its year-to-date return is 512.93%, far outpacing the S&P 500’s 2.11%. The one-year return stands at 363.84%, compared to the S&P 500’s 9.45%. The company’s three-year return of 507.50% vastly exceeds the S&P 500’s 63.42% over the same period. However, its five-year return remains negative at -37.90%, highlighting past volatility.
Outlook and Industry Significance
The Korea Zinc deal and board enhancements signify TMC’s focus on building a domestic critical minerals supply chain. These developments align with recent U.S. Executive Orders recognizing seabed minerals as vital for national security and economic growth. TMC’s ongoing collaborations and technology validation efforts are expected to play a crucial role in securing strategic metal resources.
TMC’s next earnings date has not been announced yet. Investors will watch closely for progress on the Korea Zinc partnership and advancements in the company’s seabed mining initiatives.
