NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management today announced that it is seeking comments by Tuesday, May 17 on a request from Lockheed Martin Corporation to extend through 2027 two deep seabed hard mineral exploration licenses originally issued in 1984 and most recently extended in 2017.
Lockheed Martin is requesting the extension to maintain its interests and rights under the licenses, but is not currently conducting at-sea activities related to the licenses or proposing such activities. NOAA noted the company’s statements that exploration activities have been delayed for reasons including conditions in the metals markets and lack of international recognition of the licenses.
