Why Offshore Virginia?

Selecting an area for potential marine mineral exploration begins long before a request is submitted to regulators. Odyssey's proprietary Global Prospectivity (GP) Assessment evaluates geological, oceanographic, environmental, and geopolitical factors to identify areas that may warrant further scientific study. Rather than focusing solely on resource potential, the assessment also considers existing scientific information, ocean uses, and the broader regulatory environment.

Through this assessment, Odyssey evaluated factors such as seafloor geology, bathymetry, oceanographic conditions, and existing scientific datasets to identify regions with strong resource potential. In parallel, the company evaluated opportunities within a U.S. policy environment that increasingly recognizes the importance of domestic marine mineral resources for infrastructure, coastal resilience, and supply chain security.

Offshore Virginia emerged as a favorable candidate for further study due to its geological characteristics, resource potential, extensive existing scientific knowledge, established regulatory framework, maritime infrastructure, and the opportunity to evaluate critical mineral resources within U.S. jurisdiction.

A thorough analysis of historic sampling, available data sets, and geological studies in the area allowed the research team to make an informed decision on an area with the highest benefit and the least risk. Offshore Virgina is rich in marine life and sanctuaries. As a result, Odyssey conducted careful screenings and referenced available federal and state data to avoid the most sensitive habitats, major navigation routes, military use areas, and other known competing ocean uses. Small levels of overlap are unavoidable, but Odyssey has taken every measure to stay clear of the most vulnerable habitats in our resource potential evaluations. Any future activities would remain subject to BOEM's review, environmental analysis, and stakeholder engagement.

Many safeguards are in place to protect not only the environment, but wildlife as well. The same dredging technologies being proposed are used every year to rebuild beaches, strengthen coastlines, and maintain U.S. ports would be adapted for mineral recovery. These operations are tightly regulated, familiar, and grounded in decades of science. Thanks to this well-regulated equipment, environmental interactions of dredging are both manageable and highly predictable compared to new or untested offshore technologies. 

These thought-out environmental protections are balanced with the area’s economic potential. Possible seabed impacts are considered alongside regional and state interests. The proposed area contains marine sand that is an increasingly valuable resource in beach restoration, shoreline reinforcement, and protection against severe weather. Going beyond shoreline protection, this sand is also a foundational material for roads, concrete, and other urban construction. The approach Odyssey is taking to this project allows for multiple national and regional goals to be supported, while protecting the surrounding marine ecosystems at the same time.