Lockheed Martin Reclaims Seabed Licenses, Eyes CriticalMinerals
Lockheed Martin has announced it is exploring partnerships with several mining companies to activate its long-held seabed mining licenses in the Pacific Ocean. The aerospace and defense firm holds two licenses in the mineral-rich Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), granted in the 1980s but dormant for decades.
Though Lockheed sold its UK-based subsidiary, UK Seabed Resources, in 2023, the buyer’s bankruptcy earlier this year returned the licenses to Lockheed’s control. Lockheed COO Frank St John confirmed there is significant interest from the mining sector, as the company evaluates new pathways to secure critical minerals, working closely with the Pentagon on sourcing strategies. Among those showing interest is Canada’s The Metals Company, which have recently applied for seabed mining licenses.
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