O T C 2026
IMMS has been invited to participate at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) 2026 as an invited organization. OTC happens at the NRG Park in Houston from May 4th to 7th of 2026.
We are organizing a 2.5 hour discussion panel on May 4, from 2:00pm to 4:30pm about regulations, technology and environmental issues and science related to Marine Minerals.
We would love if you could come attend our panel! You just need to register at OTC!
UMC 2026
TOYAMA, JAPAN
November 8-13, 2026
Underwater Minerals Conference
The World's Largest Gathering of Ocean Mineral Stakeholders
The Underwater Minerals Conference (UMC) is an annual international forum, with representatives from over 25 countries that since 1970 has brought the marine minerals community together. UMC is the world’s largest gathering of ocean mineral stakeholders, including government, academic, and commercial sector
professionals. Topics considered for the conference include:
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Geological and biological studies of marine minerals deposits and their associated biological communities.
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Regulatory considerations related to mineral resource and environmental impact assessment.
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Technological considerations related to scientific survey objectives and commercial recovery objectives.
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General policy considerations related to the long-term development of these resources.
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Other relevant topics.​
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UMC 2026 - The 54th Underwater Minerals Conference is presented by the International Marine Minerals Society (IMMS) in partnership with the University of South Florida. This year's Technical Program Chair is Dr. Mark Luther, president of IMMS. ​
The Conference will be held in-person at the Toyama Conference Center, in Toyama, Japan.
Registration Dates 2025
Early-bird
Registration
March 4 - August 8
Regular Registration
August 9 - October 26
On-Site
Registration
From October 27
Photo credit: Geomar
UMC 2026 Focus
Filling the Knowledge Gaps: The Science and Technology of Seabed Minerals
As manganese nodule mining grows even closer to fruition, it becomes ever more important to have regulations based on prudent and well-grounded science. Deep-sea mining raises concerns. Some of these are well-founded and others are frivolous. For miners, it is critical to substantially address real environmental issues and show how they can be managed or mitigated. At the same time, it is prudent not to waste funds on irrelevant conjecture. At UMC, we will attempt to highlight new findings and show where accurate material can be fed into regulations to smooth the path forward and tamp down needless controversy.
UMC 2026 DETAILS
UMC provides a platform for researchers, business leaders, governing authorities, and other stakeholder to share about different national policies on underwater minerals exploration, research findings on different regions of the ocean and the development of new technologies that can help better manage operations underwater.
UMC 2025 will be held at the Sirata Beach Resort, located directly along the Gulf of Mexico waters of St. Pete Beach, Florida. The 13-acre resort provides an amazing experience of walking straight from their room or the pool onto the resort’s beach and delectable waterfront dining options.
Home to America's Best Beaches, a vibrant arts community and amazing outdoor experiences, St. Pete Beach is a sunny destination that travelers adore. In fact, we were named among the top 100 most-loved travel destinations in the world! And Forbes recently named St. Pete among its "Best Places to Travel in the U.S."!
A sparkling gem on Florida's Gulf coast, St. Pete-Clearwater has the perfect ingredients for your best vacation yet: beautiful beaches
vibrant arts, family fun and superb
food and drink scene. Come and experience Tampa Bay's best getaway spots for yourself!
UMC happens once a year and provides an indispensable source of information and exchange of ideas between the ocean mining industry, the government institutions, the non-profit organizations and academia. It has a scientific focus where the active marine mining players can learn more about the advances in ocean minerals science. The Underwater Mining Conference is the World’s largest gathering of Ocean Minerals Stakeholders.
UMC grows every year with more participants, never seen research and information, and unique networking opportunities. You don't want to miss it!
UMC 2026 SPONSORS
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Diamond Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
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Sponsor
HOST
JAMSTEC is engaged in activities to contribute broadly to the improvement of science and technology, the development of academic research, and the understanding of the Earth and life through ocean research in Japan, a nation of oceans.
JAMSTEC promotes research and studies on the understanding of the global environment, the utilization of ocean resources, and seismic and volcanic activities. In addition, we create new value from the data obtained through our research activities to contribute to the needs of society and the economy.
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