Deep Sea Minerals Corp. (CSE: SEAS) announced October 19, 2026, its positive reception to the U.S. Treasury’s recent acknowledgment of deep sea mining within its critical minerals policy. This recognition, articulated by U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent on October 14, 2026, signals growing governmental interest in seabed resources as a potential solution for diversifying critical mineral supply chains.
U.S. Treasury’s Policy Signal for Deep Sea Mining
Secretary Bessent’s statement, delivered for the World Bank Development Committee and the International Monetary Fund’s International Monetary and Financial Committee, specifically addressed deep sea mining’s role in economic security. He welcomed the World Bank’s recently approved Metals and Minerals Implementation Plan and outlined potential contributions through regulatory reform, infrastructure, local processing capacity, and project financing. Crucially, Bessent stated: ‘This includes deep sea mining, where the Bank can play a catalytic role by providing knowledge and guidance in a nascent sector.’ This highlights a strategic view of deep sea mining as an emerging industry requiring foundational support.
Deep Sea Minerals Corp. Strategy and Outlook
James Deckelman, Chief Executive Officer of Deep Sea Minerals, commented on the Treasury’s remarks, stating, ‘Secretary Bessent’s comments bring further attention to the potential role of seabed minerals in diversifying critical mineral supply.’ Deckelman emphasized the company’s alignment with the priorities outlined by the Treasury, noting, ‘For an emerging sector, building technical knowledge, establishing clear regulatory pathways and developing a sound environmental evidence base are essential. These priorities are directly relevant to our approach as we pursue exploration opportunities through the U.S. regulatory framework and evaluate opportunities in the Cook Islands.’
Deep Sea Minerals is focused on the exploration and potential development of polymetallic nodule resources. Its U.S. subsidiary, American Deep Sea Minerals Corp., has applied to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (‘NOAA’) for an exploration license under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act. This application covers an approximate area of 147,368 km² within the Clarion-Clipperton Zone in international waters. The company also continues to evaluate exploration opportunities in the Cook Islands, indicating a multi-jurisdictional strategy. It is important to note that the Treasury statement does not constitute funding, regulatory approval, or an endorsement of Deep Sea Minerals or its proposed activities. The company views it as an indication of broader U.S. policy interest.
Investor Relations and Corporate Developments
In a separate corporate update, Deep Sea Minerals announced the third extension of its investor relations and marketing agreement with Capital Gain Media Inc. (‘CGM’), effective October 19, 2026. This agreement, initially announced on February 24, 2026, and previously extended on June 4 and July 9, 2026, underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to market awareness.
Under the terms of this third extension, CGM will continue to provide investor awareness, digital marketing, content development, and related communication services to support Deep Sea Minerals’ capital market initiatives. These services encompass the preparation and distribution of written and video content, targeted digital advertising, social media marketing, investor-focused email campaigns, and website traffic optimization. Promotional activities will leverage various platforms, including social media, online investor publications, electronic newsletters, and CGM’s proprietary and third-party digital advertising networks. The current extension is set to continue until January 14, 2027, or until the allocated marketing budget is exhausted. Deep Sea Minerals will pay CGM an upfront marketing budget of US$100,000, plus applicable taxes, for this extended term, with no securities issued as compensation.
The company further disclosed that it has spent approximately $1.22 million on investor relations activities since its Canadian Securities Exchange Form 2A – Listing Statement was filed on January 19, 2026. This figure exceeds previously anticipated expenditures, a situation the company attributes to the necessity of informing the market about the nascent subsea mineral exploration and development industry generally, rather than solely focusing on its own progress within the sector.
Deep Sea Minerals Corp. positions itself as an early mover in a developing industry, aiming to support the future supply of critical minerals through deep-sea assets. The company’s focus on polymetallic nodule systems, recognized for containing metals vital for defense, clean energy, and advanced electronics, aligns with global strategic interests in diversifying mineral sources. The U.S. Treasury’s recent recognition provides a significant policy tailwind, potentially fostering a more conducive environment for the sector’s long-term development and the company’s strategic exploration initiatives.
