Issue date: 14 May 2026

China Minmetals Corporation (CMC) in accordance with its exploration contract for polymetallic nodules signed with the International Seabed Authority on 12 May 2017 is offering four (4) engineering training opportunities for candidates from developing States within its 2026 training programme.

TRAINING PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

The selected candidates will undergo an engineering training for approximately one (1) month in China between August and December 2026.  The programme will be conducted in partnership with the Changsha Research Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (Changsha), Central South University (Changsha), the National Deep-Sea Base Management Center (Qingdao), or other deep-sea mining related institutions. CMC will select suitable training institutions and courses based on the professional background of the trainees. The specific training dates and institutions will be provided to the selected candidates following their confirmation to join the programme.

The training aims to equip candidates with knowledge and skills related to polymetallic nodules exploration, environmental impact assessment, beneficiation and metallurgical processing, and mining technology. It will also help trainees to build a foundational knowledge system covering deep-sea environment and ecology, deep-sea technology and equipment, and operational practices, thereby enhancing their comprehensive understanding of the full chain of deep-sea resource exploration and development.

ELIGIBILITY

Candidates should meet the following criteria:

  • Educational Background: bachelor’s or master’s degree (or equivalent) in geology, geophysics, biology, environmental sciences, mining engineering, mineral processing engineering, metallurgical engineering or related fields.
  • Language: Proficiency in written and spoken English (particularly for technical communication).
  • Health: Good state of health. Trainees will require a health certificate issued by a medical institution.
  • Age: Under 45 years old.
  • Other: Possess some research or marine management skills.

FINANCIAL COMMITMENT

CMC undertakes to cover all relevant costs for the fellowship which includes, tuition fees; round-trip travel expenses to/from the training institution (economy class); accommodation and meals during the training period.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

The selected candidates will be required to sign the ISA Contractors’ Training Programme Code of Conduct for Trainees prior to the start of the programme and a Non-Disclosure Agreement with CMC.

No later than four (4) weeks after the training has ended, each trainee shall submit an end-of-training report to CMC and the Authority outlining, amongst other things, the training completed, the benefits of the training opportunity, the knowledge gained and how the training will advance his/her career and/or educational pursuits.

Upon successful completion of the programme, the trainee shall receive a certificate from the Authority. The trainee shall also be required to submit a supplementary report to the Authority five (5) years after the training has been completed, to allow for an assessment of the long-term benefits of the programme.

HOW TO APPLY

All interested applicants are invited to register and submit their applications on ISA CTP Application Portal, along with their supporting documents, including:

  • A coloured passport sized photo;
  • A copy of current passport biopage;
  • Duly completed and signed nomination form [docx | pdf] by the nominating entity;
  • Copy of degree(s) and/or relevant certificate(s);
  • Copy of CV or Resume; and
  • Proof of English competence, as required.

Applicants must select the following options when applying for this training opportunity on the Application Portal:

Contractor Name:    China Minmetals Corporation (CMC) PMN

Year:                                 2026

Programme Name: Engineering  

Specialization:        N/A 

 

Application Deadline:  30 June 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be processed.

One of the Voluntary Commitments registered by ISA at the 2017 UN Ocean Conference (#OceanAction 40768) and reiterated at the 2022 UN Ocean Conference aims at “Advancing women’s empowerment in marine scientific research”– As partner of the Women in Deep-Sea Research project (WIDSR), CMC has pledged to allocate 50% of the training opportunities, where possible, to qualified women applicants.