Short TMC The metals Co (Nasdaq: TMC) – Bonitas Research
Bonitas Research exposes TMC deep-sea mining company for license overpayment, expense inflation, and potential legal violations in damning report targeting NASDAQ-listed mining startup with serious governance concerns
Bonitas Research has released a scathing report on TMC The Metals Company (NASDAQ: TMC), alleging multiple serious issues including massive overpayment for mining licenses, inflated expenditure reporting, and questionable legal standing that could derail the company's deep-sea mining aspirations.
Stock info:
- Ticker: TMC (NASDAQ)
- Position: Bonitas Research holds a short position in TMC stock
Why it matters:
- TMC allegedly overpaid $43 million for the Tonga Offshore Mining Limited (TOML) exploration license that should cost approximately $250,000 based on International Seabed Authority (ISA) fees, suggesting potential insider enrichment
- Company reported NORI exploration expenses of $34 million to the SEC while ISA records show only $15 million—a 124% inflation of actual expenditures
- TOML license faces legal jeopardy as TMC removed the required Tongan citizen from its board in March 2020, potentially violating ISA requirements
- TMC's claim of full ownership of Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. (NORI) is contradicted by NORI's exploration license application showing it's wholly owned by Nauruan foundations
- With no revenue and dwindling cash reserves of $113 million, TMC faces significant financial pressure
State of play:
- Former owner Nautilus Minerals Inc. (NMI) valued the TOML license at nil, while TMC paid millions, suggesting questionable valuation practices
- PwC Monitor reports indicate no independent buyer interest in the TOML license at market rates
- Campaign for Accountability has called for SEC investigation into TMC's activities
- TMC insiders have connections to individuals implicated in money laundering schemes based on Panama Papers and ICIJ documentation
- TMC executives have histories of questionable business practices and involvement in failed ventures with similar characteristics
FAQs:
What is TMC The Metals Company?
TMC is a pre-revenue company focused on deep-sea mining in the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) of the Pacific Ocean, claiming to hold exploration licenses through subsidiaries NORI and TOML.
What are the main allegations against TMC?
Bonitas Research alleges TMC overpaid for mining licenses, inflated exploration expenses in SEC filings, faces legal issues with its TOML license due to board composition, and has connections to individuals with questionable business histories.
What evidence does Bonitas provide for TMC's inflated expenses?
Bonitas compared TMC's SEC filings showing $34 million in NORI exploration expenses against ISA public records showing only $15 million in actual expenditures—a 124% discrepancy.
Why is the TOML license's legal status in question?
ISA regulations require contractors to maintain sponsorship from member states. Since March 2020, TMC has operated without a Tongan citizen on its board, potentially violating requirements for maintaining the TOML license.
What financial condition is TMC currently in?
According to the report, TMC has no revenue and approximately $113 million in remaining cash, suggesting financial pressure as it continues to fund operations without income.
How does this compare to other deep-sea mining companies?
The report notes that other companies like Lockheed Martin's UK subsidiary hold similar licenses at nil value on their books, suggesting TMC's high valuation is unusual for the industry.
Disclaimer
This summary is based on a report by Bonitas Research. For the full, detailed analysis, please refer to the original source material: https://www.bonitasresearch.com/company/tmc-metals-co-nasdaq-tmc/
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