Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (NASDAQ: OMEX), an ocean exploration pioneer engaged in the discovery, development, and extraction of strategic minerals that provide solutions to global challenges, today expressed strong support for the newly announced cooperation between the United States (U.S.) and the Cook Islands to advance scientific research and the responsible development of seabed mineral resources.
“We commend the leadership of both the U.S. and Cook Islands governments in forging this innovative partnership,” said Mark Gordon, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Odyssey. “This partnership is not only a bilateral success—it’s a signal that the global approach to critical mineral supply chains is shifting. At Odyssey, we’re proud to support science-based, collaborative efforts to unlock the seabed’s potential, with a particular focus on phosphates for sustainable fertilizer and polymetallic nodules that supply key battery metals for the clean energy transition.”
Through its investments and service relationships with Ocean Minerals LLC and CIC Limited, Odyssey is active in advancing two of the three licensed exploration programs within the Cook Islands’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)—home to an estimated 12 billion wet tonnes of polymetallic nodules.
Drawing on decades of marine mineral expertise, Odyssey has collaborated with the Cook Islands government and stakeholders for over ten years, supporting both exploration initiatives and the development of a robust regulatory framework for seabed minerals. The Cook Islands has developed one of the world’s most comprehensive and responsible frameworks for deep-sea mineral governance—an achievement built through years of proactive engagement, strategic planning, and collaboration with technical and industry partners. In recent weeks, Odyssey deployed two Autonomous Benthic Mini Landers (ABMLs) to the Cook Islands. This cutting-edge technology is designed to collect environmental data at depths of 5,500 meters, which is critical to developing responsible mineral programs.
The Cook Islands–U.S. collaboration comes at a time when the United States is advancing a series of federal policy actions to unlock domestic offshore mineral potential and secure critical inputs for clean energy and infrastructure. Among these policy efforts is Executive Order 14285, which directs federal agencies to accelerate the responsible exploration and processing of seabed minerals on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Odyssey is recognized as qualified to acquire and hold a minerals lease by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) since 2021 and is ready and well-positioned to support this momentum.
About Odyssey Marine Exploration
Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (NASDAQ: OMEX) is a global leader in ocean exploration with over 30 years of experience. The company is committed to the sustainable and responsible discovery, validation, and advancement of seafloor critical mineral projects, including polymetallic nodules for battery metals and subsea phosphate deposits for fertilizers. Offering comprehensive research, marine operations, and regulatory compliance support, Odyssey works with governments and seafloor rights holders worldwide. Odyssey develops its projects in collaboration with a global network of partners, academics, and industry professionals who share its commitment to environmentally sound solutions for obtaining minerals that address present and future global challenges. Learn more at www.odysseymarine.com.
