Shawn Ryan Show #231 Gerard Barron - CIA Project Azorian & Deep Sea Mining That Could Change the World
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Aug 28, 2025 Gerard Barron, Co-Founder and CEO of The Metals Company, is at the forefront of deep-sea mining. He discusses the importance of polymetallic nodules for sustainable metal sourcing, essential for electric vehicles and renewable energy. Barron shares insights on the technological advancements linked to deep-sea operations and the historical ties with CIA covert activities. He emphasizes the geopolitical stakes of ocean resources, advocating for U.S. energy independence and the reviving of domestic manufacturing to secure critical mineral supply chains.
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Early Nautilus Investment Shaped His Path
- Gerard Barron funded Nautilus Minerals early and sold his stake before the company's later troubles.
- That experience led him to focus on polymetallic nodules and start The Metals Company in 2011.
CIA's Secret Role Launched Deep-Sea Mining
- The CIA funded 1970s deep-sea nodule efforts as a cover to recover a Soviet submarine.
- That program (Glomar Explorer) kickstarted commercial interest in seabed minerals.
Nodules Are High-Value, Low-Waste Ore
- Polymetallic nodules contain about 33% metal and can be fully converted to saleable material.
- They are far richer than average land copper deposits, improving processing efficiency and lowering impact.