TMC the metals vs China Molybdenum: why the prices moved differently

Weekly · monthly · quarterly news summaries, side by side in time

TMC the metals company Inc (TMC)

Q3 20265 Jul – 13 Aug 2026

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TMC's regulatory path advances, but losses and analyst caution weigh

Tribunal orders ISA to protect TMC subsidiaries' due process An international tribunal unanimously ordered the International Seabed Authority to respect the due process rights of TMC's subsidiaries NORI and TOML. This reduces the risk that regulatory delays or unfair treatment could block TMC's deep-sea mining plans, making the stock less risky for investors.
This is a new, concrete legal win that directly lowers regulatory risk, a key driver of TMC's value.
NOAA advances TMC's mining application to certification stage NOAA moved TMC's consolidated application into the certification stage, with a licensing decision expected by early 2027. TMC and partner Allseas also signed a commercial agreement for a nodule collection system. This progress brings commercial mining closer, supporting the stock's long-term potential.
This is a new operational and regulatory milestone that moves TMC closer to actual mining, a major positive catalyst.
Analyst recommends selling TMC amid regulatory uncertainty An analyst at The Motley Fool recommended selling TMC, citing the International Seabed Authority's failure to finalize exploitation regulations. While a recent tribunal order removed some uncertainty, TMC still needs formal approval for commercial extraction. This adds selling pressure and highlights the stock's high risk.
This is a new analyst sell call that directly influences investor sentiment and TMC's price.
TMC reports $60.1 million Q2 net loss TMC reported a net loss of $60.1 million for Q2 2026, though narrower than last year's $74.3 million. Exploration expenses jumped to $56.1 million due to a $37.2 million Allseas settlement. The company has $98.7 million cash and no debt, but ongoing losses raise funding concerns.
This is a new financial report showing continued losses and high spending, which can pressure the stock.

July 20265 Jul – 13 Aug 2026

▲2▼2

TMC's regulatory path advances, but losses and analyst caution weigh

Tribunal orders ISA to protect TMC subsidiaries' due process An international tribunal unanimously ordered the International Seabed Authority to respect the due process rights of TMC's subsidiaries NORI and TOML. This reduces the risk that regulatory delays or unfair treatment could block TMC's deep-sea mining plans, making the stock less risky for investors.
This is a new, concrete legal win that directly lowers regulatory risk, a key driver of TMC's value.
NOAA advances TMC's mining application to certification stage NOAA moved TMC's consolidated application into the certification stage, with a licensing decision expected by early 2027. TMC and partner Allseas also signed a commercial agreement for a nodule collection system. This progress brings commercial mining closer, supporting the stock's long-term potential.
This is a new operational and regulatory milestone that moves TMC closer to actual mining, a major positive catalyst.
Analyst recommends selling TMC amid regulatory uncertainty An analyst at The Motley Fool recommended selling TMC, citing the International Seabed Authority's failure to finalize exploitation regulations. While a recent tribunal order removed some uncertainty, TMC still needs formal approval for commercial extraction. This adds selling pressure and highlights the stock's high risk.
This is a new analyst sell call that directly influences investor sentiment and TMC's price.
TMC reports $60.1 million Q2 net loss TMC reported a net loss of $60.1 million for Q2 2026, though narrower than last year's $74.3 million. Exploration expenses jumped to $56.1 million due to a $37.2 million Allseas settlement. The company has $98.7 million cash and no debt, but ongoing losses raise funding concerns.
This is a new financial report showing continued losses and high spending, which can pressure the stock.

Latest5 Jul – 13 Aug 2026

▲2▼2

TMC's regulatory path advances, but losses and analyst caution weigh

Tribunal orders ISA to protect TMC subsidiaries' due process An international tribunal unanimously ordered the International Seabed Authority to respect the due process rights of TMC's subsidiaries NORI and TOML. This reduces the risk that regulatory delays or unfair treatment could block TMC's deep-sea mining plans, making the stock less risky for investors.
This is a new, concrete legal win that directly lowers regulatory risk, a key driver of TMC's value.
NOAA advances TMC's mining application to certification stage NOAA moved TMC's consolidated application into the certification stage, with a licensing decision expected by early 2027. TMC and partner Allseas also signed a commercial agreement for a nodule collection system. This progress brings commercial mining closer, supporting the stock's long-term potential.
This is a new operational and regulatory milestone that moves TMC closer to actual mining, a major positive catalyst.
Analyst recommends selling TMC amid regulatory uncertainty An analyst at The Motley Fool recommended selling TMC, citing the International Seabed Authority's failure to finalize exploitation regulations. While a recent tribunal order removed some uncertainty, TMC still needs formal approval for commercial extraction. This adds selling pressure and highlights the stock's high risk.
This is a new analyst sell call that directly influences investor sentiment and TMC's price.
TMC reports $60.1 million Q2 net loss TMC reported a net loss of $60.1 million for Q2 2026, though narrower than last year's $74.3 million. Exploration expenses jumped to $56.1 million due to a $37.2 million Allseas settlement. The company has $98.7 million cash and no debt, but ongoing losses raise funding concerns.
This is a new financial report showing continued losses and high spending, which can pressure the stock.

Q2 202617 Jun – 2 Jul 2026

▲3▼1

TMC Advances U.S. Deep-Sea Mining Permits, But Remains Pre-Revenue

NOAA Certification Advances U.S. Exploration License TMC's U.S. subsidiary received formal NOAA certification for its USA B exploration license covering 122,000 square kilometers. This regulatory step moves the company closer to harvesting deep-sea nodules, potentially bypassing international hurdles. For a pre-revenue firm, such progress supports the stock by raising the odds of future production.
This is a concrete regulatory milestone that directly affects TMC's path to revenue.
U.S. Government Support Could Accelerate Permits The Trump administration's push for mineral self-reliance and Defense Department interest in critical minerals may lead to federal grants or fast-tracked approvals. This reduces regulatory risk and could speed up TMC's timeline, making the stock more attractive to investors betting on domestic supply.
Government backing is a key catalyst that can de-risk TMC's regulatory and funding challenges.
Competition Highlights TMC's Pre-Revenue Status Analysts note that MP Materials is already profitable with an operating U.S. mine, while TMC is years away from full operations and unprofitable. This contrast may steer investors toward safer rare-earth plays, pressuring TMC's stock as it competes for capital in a high-risk sector.
Competitive positioning directly influences investor sentiment and capital flows into TMC.
Retail Enthusiasm and Long-Term Demand Backdrop Retail investors are touting TMC as a breakout stock, and the IEA projects rare-earth demand to rise 50-60% by 2040. While this boosts short-term sentiment, TMC remains pre-revenue with execution risks, so the impact is speculative and may not reflect fundamentals.
Retail hype and demand trends can drive price in the near term, but the speculative nature warrants caution.

June 202617 Jun – 2 Jul 2026

▲3▼1

TMC Advances U.S. Deep-Sea Mining Permits, But Remains Pre-Revenue

NOAA Certification Advances U.S. Exploration License TMC's U.S. subsidiary received formal NOAA certification for its USA B exploration license covering 122,000 square kilometers. This regulatory step moves the company closer to harvesting deep-sea nodules, potentially bypassing international hurdles. For a pre-revenue firm, such progress supports the stock by raising the odds of future production.
This is a concrete regulatory milestone that directly affects TMC's path to revenue.
U.S. Government Support Could Accelerate Permits The Trump administration's push for mineral self-reliance and Defense Department interest in critical minerals may lead to federal grants or fast-tracked approvals. This reduces regulatory risk and could speed up TMC's timeline, making the stock more attractive to investors betting on domestic supply.
Government backing is a key catalyst that can de-risk TMC's regulatory and funding challenges.
Competition Highlights TMC's Pre-Revenue Status Analysts note that MP Materials is already profitable with an operating U.S. mine, while TMC is years away from full operations and unprofitable. This contrast may steer investors toward safer rare-earth plays, pressuring TMC's stock as it competes for capital in a high-risk sector.
Competitive positioning directly influences investor sentiment and capital flows into TMC.
Retail Enthusiasm and Long-Term Demand Backdrop Retail investors are touting TMC as a breakout stock, and the IEA projects rare-earth demand to rise 50-60% by 2040. While this boosts short-term sentiment, TMC remains pre-revenue with execution risks, so the impact is speculative and may not reflect fundamentals.
Retail hype and demand trends can drive price in the near term, but the speculative nature warrants caution.

17 Jun – 2 Jul 2026

▲3▼1

TMC Advances U.S. Deep-Sea Mining Permits, But Remains Pre-Revenue

NOAA Certification Advances U.S. Exploration License TMC's U.S. subsidiary received formal NOAA certification for its USA B exploration license covering 122,000 square kilometers. This regulatory step moves the company closer to harvesting deep-sea nodules, potentially bypassing international hurdles. For a pre-revenue firm, such progress supports the stock by raising the odds of future production.
This is a concrete regulatory milestone that directly affects TMC's path to revenue.
U.S. Government Support Could Accelerate Permits The Trump administration's push for mineral self-reliance and Defense Department interest in critical minerals may lead to federal grants or fast-tracked approvals. This reduces regulatory risk and could speed up TMC's timeline, making the stock more attractive to investors betting on domestic supply.
Government backing is a key catalyst that can de-risk TMC's regulatory and funding challenges.
Competition Highlights TMC's Pre-Revenue Status Analysts note that MP Materials is already profitable with an operating U.S. mine, while TMC is years away from full operations and unprofitable. This contrast may steer investors toward safer rare-earth plays, pressuring TMC's stock as it competes for capital in a high-risk sector.
Competitive positioning directly influences investor sentiment and capital flows into TMC.
Retail Enthusiasm and Long-Term Demand Backdrop Retail investors are touting TMC as a breakout stock, and the IEA projects rare-earth demand to rise 50-60% by 2040. While this boosts short-term sentiment, TMC remains pre-revenue with execution risks, so the impact is speculative and may not reflect fundamentals.
Retail hype and demand trends can drive price in the near term, but the speculative nature warrants caution.

China Molybdenum Co Ltd Class A (603993.CG)

Q3 20263 Jul – 20 Aug 2026

▲2▼1

CMOC profit surges on higher copper, moly, tungsten prices and gold deal

First-half profit jumps 86% on higher metal prices and volumes CMOC's first-half net profit rose 86.3% to 16.15 billion yuan, with revenue up 42.8%. The gain came from selling more copper and getting higher prices for copper, molybdenum and tungsten, plus adding Brazilian gold mines. Strong earnings and cash flow support the stock price.
This is the core new financial result showing why the company is fundamentally more valuable.
Raises sales caps to CATL, signaling strong battery-metal demand CMOC plans to raise annual sales caps to CATL Group to as much as $5 billion by 2028, and purchase caps from KFM to $14 billion. This points to growing demand for CMOC's copper and cobalt products, which supports future revenue and the stock price.
It shows a concrete new demand signal from a major customer, which affects future earnings.
DRC export ban lifts copper sentiment but has limited real impact The Democratic Republic of Congo banned copper and cobalt concentrate exports, sparking a rally in nonferrous stocks. CMOC says the ban barely affects it because it mostly sells refined copper and cobalt hydroxide, not raw concentrate. Still, the news lifted copper prices, which helps CMOC's revenue.
It explains a new supply-side event that moved the sector and could affect copper prices, a key driver for CMOC.
Halts tailings supply to tungsten joint venture, cutting revenue CMOC stopped supplying tailings to Luoyang Yulu, a joint venture that recovers tungsten. The shutdown cuts a small revenue stream and creates uncertainty, though the financial impact is limited. This is a minor negative for the stock.
It is a new operational setback that could slightly reduce earnings and adds regulatory risk.

July 20263 Jul – 20 Aug 2026

▲2▼1

CMOC profit surges on higher copper, moly, tungsten prices and gold deal

First-half profit jumps 86% on higher metal prices and volumes CMOC's first-half net profit rose 86.3% to 16.15 billion yuan, with revenue up 42.8%. The gain came from selling more copper and getting higher prices for copper, molybdenum and tungsten, plus adding Brazilian gold mines. Strong earnings and cash flow support the stock price.
This is the core new financial result showing why the company is fundamentally more valuable.
Raises sales caps to CATL, signaling strong battery-metal demand CMOC plans to raise annual sales caps to CATL Group to as much as $5 billion by 2028, and purchase caps from KFM to $14 billion. This points to growing demand for CMOC's copper and cobalt products, which supports future revenue and the stock price.
It shows a concrete new demand signal from a major customer, which affects future earnings.
DRC export ban lifts copper sentiment but has limited real impact The Democratic Republic of Congo banned copper and cobalt concentrate exports, sparking a rally in nonferrous stocks. CMOC says the ban barely affects it because it mostly sells refined copper and cobalt hydroxide, not raw concentrate. Still, the news lifted copper prices, which helps CMOC's revenue.
It explains a new supply-side event that moved the sector and could affect copper prices, a key driver for CMOC.
Halts tailings supply to tungsten joint venture, cutting revenue CMOC stopped supplying tailings to Luoyang Yulu, a joint venture that recovers tungsten. The shutdown cuts a small revenue stream and creates uncertainty, though the financial impact is limited. This is a minor negative for the stock.
It is a new operational setback that could slightly reduce earnings and adds regulatory risk.

Latest3 Jul – 20 Aug 2026

▲2▼1

CMOC profit surges on higher copper, moly, tungsten prices and gold deal

First-half profit jumps 86% on higher metal prices and volumes CMOC's first-half net profit rose 86.3% to 16.15 billion yuan, with revenue up 42.8%. The gain came from selling more copper and getting higher prices for copper, molybdenum and tungsten, plus adding Brazilian gold mines. Strong earnings and cash flow support the stock price.
This is the core new financial result showing why the company is fundamentally more valuable.
Raises sales caps to CATL, signaling strong battery-metal demand CMOC plans to raise annual sales caps to CATL Group to as much as $5 billion by 2028, and purchase caps from KFM to $14 billion. This points to growing demand for CMOC's copper and cobalt products, which supports future revenue and the stock price.
It shows a concrete new demand signal from a major customer, which affects future earnings.
DRC export ban lifts copper sentiment but has limited real impact The Democratic Republic of Congo banned copper and cobalt concentrate exports, sparking a rally in nonferrous stocks. CMOC says the ban barely affects it because it mostly sells refined copper and cobalt hydroxide, not raw concentrate. Still, the news lifted copper prices, which helps CMOC's revenue.
It explains a new supply-side event that moved the sector and could affect copper prices, a key driver for CMOC.
Halts tailings supply to tungsten joint venture, cutting revenue CMOC stopped supplying tailings to Luoyang Yulu, a joint venture that recovers tungsten. The shutdown cuts a small revenue stream and creates uncertainty, though the financial impact is limited. This is a minor negative for the stock.
It is a new operational setback that could slightly reduce earnings and adds regulatory risk.