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Gerard Barron - CIA Project Azorian & Deep Sea Mining That Could Change the World | SRS #231

2025-08-28 People & Blogs
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Shawn Ryan Show
Shawn Ryan Show
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Gerard Barron on Securing Critical Minerals via Deep-Sea Mining and Reindustrialization

Discover how harvesting polymetallic nodules from the abyssal zone offers a critical, lower-impact pathway to secure essential metals needed for the energy transition and confront global supply chain vulnerabilities.

Short Summary

  • Deep-sea mining of polymetallic nodules provides an estimated 70% of current global nickel and cobalt reserves in one deposit, offering a massive alternative to destructive land-based mining.
  • Securing a domestic metal supply chain, primarily focusing on US permitting, is framed as vital for national security against dependencies like China.
  • The nodules are environmentally advantageous because they are harvested from the deep ocean (abyssal zone) which has extremely low biomass compared to terrestrial extraction sites like rainforests.
  • The Metals Company is pivoting its strategy to focus entirely on permitting through the US administration, targeting first production by 2027.

This session details the strategic rationale behind The Metals Company's focus on deep-sea resources. Gerard Barron contrasts the environmental impact of deep-sea extraction versus terrestrial mining, particularly "rainforest nickel," and explains the geopolitical necessity of bringing processing and metal supply chains back to the US. Expect insights into the unique technology required for deep-ocean harvesting and the future impact of these base metals on reindustrialization.

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Description

Gerard Barron, born in Queensland, Australia, is the Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of The Metals Company, a position he has held since 2017. A seasoned entrepreneur with a track record in battery technology, media, and future-oriented resource development, Barron leads the company's efforts to harvest polymetallic nodules from the deep ocean floor, providing sustainable sources of critical metals like nickel, copper, cobalt, and manganese for electric vehicles and renewable energy. He previously co-founded DeepGreen in 2011 and assumed full control in 2017, guiding it through a public listing and partnerships to advance environmentally responsible deep-sea mining as an alternative to land-based extraction. Barron testified before the U.S. Congress in April 2025 on national security and critical minerals, emphasizing the strategic importance of ocean resources. He advocates for innovation in clean tech, reducing mining's ecological footprint, and securing supply chains for the global energy transition, often speaking at forums like the St. Gallen Symposium and GESDA. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkoujZQZatbqy4KGcgjpVxQ/join Shawn Ryan Show Links SUBSCRIBE: http://www.youtube.com/@ShawnRyanShow Sign up: https://shawnryanshow.com/pages/newsletter Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/VigilanceElite Download Free Content: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lF-8_5jwRc5eAhzDkqqCOp-6yvd05vAw?usp=sharing Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shawn-ryan-show/id1492492083 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5eodRZd3qR9VT1ip1wI7xQ?si=59f9d106e56a4509 Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shawnryanshow Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnryanshow/ Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawnryanshow/ Follow on X: https://twitter.com/ShawnRyanShow SRS Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4pqo9Uoh0WuUKxw0BmaK1yrg9Kd7E4lk #vigilanceelite #shawnryanshow Gerard Barron Links: The Metals Company - https://metals.co X - https://x.com/gtbgtb LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerardbarron Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://bunkr.life – USE CODE SRS Go to https://bunkr.life/SRS and use code “SRS” to get your 25% off your family plan. https://patriotmobile.com/srs https://helixsleep.com/srs https://ROKA.com – USE CODE SRS https://simplisafe.com/srs https://bruntworkwear.com – USE CODE SRS 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:49 Gerard Barron's Background and Early Ventures 04:08 Deep Sea Mining and Environmental Impact 07:41 Challenges and Controversies in Deep Sea Mining 10:25 Technological Innovations and Future Prospects 18:23 Geopolitical Implications and Global Supply Chains 42:38 Environmental Responsibility and Future Goals 53:08 Energy Independence and Renewables 54:20 US Metals Industry and Critical Minerals 59:09 Ocean Floor Mining Technology 01:06:18 International Regulations and Politics 01:21:22 National Defense and Industrial Rebirth 01:28:41 Future of US Manufacturing and Automation 01:46:57 Public Investment and Company Vision

Top Comments (10)

@MichaelBettisworth 2025-08-29

53 days sober

553 122 replies
@dak_sh9746 2025-08-29

There’s this guy called Kalen Junior—he is an ex–33rd degree Mason or something. He has a quite dangerous book on hidden reality. I was in total shock when I read it.

3.9k 17 replies
@larryi9373 2025-08-28

Amazing job! Thank you Shawn for giving this your amazing platform, the world can change just from your reach. Critical minerals to the growing threat to national security can be mined in our lifetime without the destruction of our societies

68 3 replies
@barrelandhatchet 2025-08-28

If Shawn or his staff read this, it will be a miracle. But Shawn my name is Eric and you need to interview Dave Eubanks, the founder of the “Free Burma Rangers” ——- they are doing Gods work saving innocent lives in combat zones and sharing the love of Jesus. God bless, and love what you do. May the Lord continue to bless you and your team. Eric

339 39 replies
@L3Gaming-X 2025-08-29

You have really no idea how much you’ve inspired me and changed my perspective on life. I’ve been through some really hard things the last year but this podcast has kept me motivated and always makes me motivated. Your guest and truth, optimism, delving into the unknown. The range of guests you have and the truth of what you all speak is amazing. You really are making waves. For me, you’ve kept me entertained, motivated and happy to focus on myself and be better. I can’t thank you enough ❤

7
@Izakeil1933 2025-08-28

The preview had me excited for this one

24 1 replies
@kevingnomen6092 2025-08-28

This was a very interesting episode! Probably one of my favorites when it comes to the positive impacts it can make. This would be a huge game changer for the US and I hope the next administration is aligned with Metals as well.

39
@anthonydante8048 2025-08-28

The 🐐 of podcasts

58 2 replies
@TheBedHeadGuy 2025-08-29

This is one of the chillest and coolest podcasts I’ve seen in awhile. Enjoyed this a lot

2
@Oliverxllll 2025-08-28

Absolutely amazing interview!

9

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