Deep Sea Minerals and Westwin Signed Processing Agreement
The two companies are evaluating U.S.-based routes to refine nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Business Strategy
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Deep Sea Minerals Corp. has signed a non-binding letter of intent with Westwin Elements, Inc. to establish a framework for processing polymetallic nodules. The initiative aims to evaluate potential U.S.-based capacity for minerals recovered from subsea assets.
Why it matters
Operators in the critical minerals sector are increasingly seeking to localize supply chain components to meet shifting regulatory requirements for domestic processing capacity. This agreement marks a preliminary step toward building a U.S. pipeline for metals like nickel and cobalt.
The firms committed to a US$100,000 budget for an investor relations and marketing extension, capped at a 90-day term. This activity supports the exploratory work needed to assess potential processing pathways for minerals including manganese and copper.
The players
Deep Sea Minerals Corp.
A Vancouver-based firm focused on the exploration and development of subsea mineral assets.
Westwin Elements, Inc.
A company specializing in metal processing and critical mineral supply chain development.
Capital Gain Media Inc.
An agency providing investor relations and marketing services.
The details
Under the agreement, Deep Sea Minerals Corp. will supply geological data and polymetallic nodule samples, while Westwin Elements, Inc. oversees the bench- and pilot-scale testing of processing routes. The two entities are evaluating if these specific minerals, often sourced from the Pacific Ocean or jurisdictions like the Cook Islands, can be efficiently processed within the United States. Costs for the collaboration are split, with Deep Sea Minerals covering data and samples, and Westwin funding the testing work.
Timeline
February 24, 2026: Original marketing agreement with Capital Gain Media signed.
May 26, 2026: NOAA issued notice to company regarding mineral application.
June 4, 2026: First marketing agreement extension occurred.
July 9, 2026: Second marketing agreement extension occurred.
September 23, 2026: Letter of intent signed.
Market Landscape
This partnership follows the industry pattern set by the Inflation Reduction Act's domestic sourcing requirements by attempting to establish localized mineral processing. It highlights how firms are shifting strategy to align with U.S.-based industrial policies for critical raw materials.
Operators in the resource and refining space should monitor whether these bench tests result in a definitive joint development agreement. The move underscores the growing premium on securing U.S.-based processing capacity to mitigate potential international supply chain volatility.
The takeaway
This development highlights the ongoing effort by firms to build domestic critical mineral processing capacity amid tightening supply chain regulations. Operators should track the eventual outcome of the pilot testing phase to gauge the feasibility of future long-term commercial supply relationships.
Further reading
For more on evolving industrial strategies, see our coverage of Business Strategy.
More information
To review corporate details on the partnership, visit the Westwin Elements corporate information.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Financial Post.
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