Key facts
- The Metals Company appointed former ExxonMobil upstream chief Liam Mallon to its board.
- Mallon will chair TMC's Sustainability and Innovation Committee.
- The company plans commercial recovery of polymetallic nodules in international waters.
- The U.S. is nearing approval for permits to mine the deep sea.
- ExxonMobil is investing in lithium projects for the EV battery market.
The Metals Company (TMC) has appointed Liam Mallon, a former upstream chief at ExxonMobil, to its board of directors. The appointment comes as TMC advances its plans for the commercial recovery of polymetallic nodules from international waters, a move that aligns with the U.S. administration's broader strategy to increase access to critical minerals essential for the nation's economy. Mallon, who retired from ExxonMobil after a 35-year career, will also lead TMC's Sustainability and Innovation Committee. The company had previously sought approval from the Trump administration in 2025 for its seabed mining plans, marking it as the first company to request permission to operate outside U.S. territorial waters. Meanwhile, ExxonMobil, alongside peers like Occidental Petroleum and Equinor, is increasing its investments in lithium projects, particularly in Arkansas, to supply the electric vehicle battery market. Board member Brendan May is set to step down after two years with TMC.