The Interoceanmetal Joint Organization (IOM) is an intergovernmental consortium established to conduct exploration, evaluation and exploitation of polymetallic nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) in the north-east Pacific. All activities are performed in accordance with the Contract (exploration licence) between IOM and the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the relevant ISA regulations.

The organization’s core activity is to make research, employ technical potential and cooperate with other organizations and potential investors. The research and exploration works are conducted in accordance with the “Programme of activities for exploration of deep sea polymetallic nodules” approved by the ISA.