Summary: Our podcast speaker, Kristin Hengstebeck, Director of Business Development and Market Research at The Metals Company (TMC) discusses the positioning of deep-sea polymetallic nodules as a source of critical raw materials for the transition away from fossil fuels, and to support global development. The company has piloted both collection and processing of polymetallic nodules rich in nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese located atop the Pacific Ocean seafloor at depths of over 4kms. In addition to eliminating the need to dig or drill to obtain the ore, TMC and its partners have proven conversion of nodules to battery grade nickel and cobalt sulfate utilizing commercial facilities in North America. TMC is preparing to apply for a commercial exploitation contract to collect nodules later this year, adhering to high standards for responsible nodule collection per International Seabed Authority regulations. This includes an extensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for its NORI-D project conducted over the past 12 years, in collaboration with leading marine research institutions and expert industry contractors.