Could a $7 Deep-Sea Mining Stock Transform Your Wealth?

The Explosive Momentum Behind TMC

The Metals Company (NASDAQ: TMC) has captured investor attention with remarkable gains. Starting 2025 near $1 per share, the stock climbed 450% throughout the year and continued its upward push with a 17% gain in early 2026. By January 8, TMC was trading around the $7 mark—a dramatic shift that reflects growing confidence in the company’s strategic direction.

The turning point arrived in April 2025 when TMC submitted what it called “the world’s first application for commercial recovery permit” under U.S. jurisdiction. This move unlocked a new regulatory pathway that could fundamentally alter the company’s prospects in the ocean mining sector.

Understanding the Resource Opportunity

At the heart of TMC’s story lies polymetallic nodules—mineral-rich deposits scattered across the seafloor. These potato-sized formations contain critical metals essential for batteries, electronics, and defense applications. Two independent assessments valued the company’s exploration zones at approximately $23.6 billion, requiring just $113 million in initial capital expenditure.

Here’s where the math becomes intriguing: With a current market capitalization hovering near $3 billion at $7 per share, investors are pricing in substantial skepticism about the project’s commercial viability. The implied gap between current valuation and estimated resource value suggests roughly 700% upside potential—if the venture succeeds.

Navigating the Regulatory Maze

Previously, TMC faced a major constraint: dependence on the International Seabed Authority (ISA), an international body that hasn’t yet finalized deep-sea mining regulations. This uncertainty created a significant bottleneck.

The U.S. government, which never ratified the treaty establishing the ISA, maintains independent authority over seabed mining licensing within its jurisdiction. This opens an alternative regulatory route that could accelerate TMC’s commercial timeline. However, this strategy carries political risks and remains unproven—there’s no guarantee it will ultimately succeed.

Assessing the Risk-Reward Profile

This investment presents a genuine speculative bet. Mining polymetallic nodules at commercial scale remains unproven technology. Environmental concerns, international relations complications, and operational challenges create legitimate headwinds.

Yet the upside scenario warrants consideration: if TMC demonstrates deep-sea mining viability, the company could potentially expand operations to additional seabed regions. Long-term supply partnerships with industrial and defense contractors could further expand its value proposition. Such developments could reward patient investors handsomely.

The Bottom Line

A $7 stock trading on unproven technology can indeed make investors filthy rich—but only if multiple uncertainties resolve favorably. This qualifies as a moonshot opportunity: significant potential returns accompanied by material downside risk. Volatility should be expected, and losses are possible.

For risk-tolerant investors with a multi-year horizon, TMC represents an intriguing play on future metal demand and ocean resource development. For conservative investors, the uncertainty likely outweighs the opportunity.

Remember: thorough research and position sizing appropriate to your risk tolerance remain essential before committing capital to speculative ventures like this.