<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?>
<!--XBRL document created with Toppan Merrill Bridge  10.2.0.4 -->
<!--Based on XBRL 2.1-->
<!--Created on: 3/27/2023 4:49:21 PM-->
<!--Modified on: 3/27/2023 4:49:21 PM-->
<link:linkbase xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInEquity" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInEquity" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureShareBasedCompensationTables" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureNatureOfOperationsDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureNatureOfOperationsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureBasisOfPresentationDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureSignificantAccountingPoliciesLeasesDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureSignificantAccountingPoliciesLeasesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureBusinessCombinationDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureBusinessCombinationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureBusinessCombinationSummaryOfSpecialSharesAndTheirRespectiveVestingThresholdsDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureBusinessCombinationSummaryOfSpecialSharesAndTheirRespectiveVestingThresholdsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureBusinessCombinationSoacSponsorsDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureBusinessCombinationSoacSponsorsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureBusinessCombinationSummaryOfReconciliationOfCashProceedsFromBusinessCombinationDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureBusinessCombinationSummaryOfReconciliationOfCashProceedsFromBusinessCombinationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureBusinessCombinationTransactionCostsAndSoacSharesDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureBusinessCombinationTransactionCostsAndSoacSharesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureBusinessCombinationNumberOfSharesOfTmcCommonSharesIssuedImmediatelyFollowingConsummationOfBusinessCombinationDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureBusinessCombinationNumberOfSharesOfTmcCommonSharesIssuedImmediatelyFollowingConsummationOfBusinessCombinationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureBusinessCombinationTransactionCostsRelatedToBusinessCombinationDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureBusinessCombinationTransactionCostsRelatedToBusinessCombinationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureTomlAcquisitionDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureTomlAcquisitionDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureTomlAcquisitionNetAssetsAcquiredAsPartOfTomlAcquisitionDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureTomlAcquisitionNetAssetsAcquiredAsPartOfTomlAcquisitionDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureEquipmentDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureEquipmentDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureExplorationContractsDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureExplorationContractsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureExplorationContractsReconciliationOfCompanySCapitalizedExplorationDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureExplorationContractsReconciliationOfCompanySCapitalizedExplorationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureExplorationContractsExplorationAndEvaluationExpensesDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureExplorationContractsExplorationAndEvaluationExpensesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureConvertibleDebenturesDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureConvertibleDebenturesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureWarrantsDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureWarrantsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureWarrantsFairValueOfWarrantLiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureWarrantsFairValueOfWarrantLiabilitiesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureWarrantsFairValueMeasurementsAssumptionsDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureWarrantsFairValueMeasurementsAssumptionsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureCommonSharesDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureCommonSharesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureCommonSharesAuthorizedIssuedAndOutstandingCommonSharesAndSpecialSharesDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureCommonSharesAuthorizedIssuedAndOutstandingCommonSharesAndSpecialSharesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureCommonSharesScheduleOfCommonSharesDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureCommonSharesScheduleOfCommonSharesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureShareBasedCompensationDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsGrantedAndOutstandingUnderCompanySStipDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsGrantedAndOutstandingUnderCompanySStipDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureShareBasedCompensationWeightedAverageAssumptionsDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationWeightedAverageAssumptionsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureShareBasedCompensationSummaryOfMovementsInRsusDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationSummaryOfMovementsInRsusDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureShareBasedCompensationEmployeeSharePurchasePlanDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationEmployeeSharePurchasePlanDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureLossPerShareAntiDilutiveCommonEquivalentSharesDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureLossPerShareAntiDilutiveCommonEquivalentSharesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosurePipeFinancingDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosurePipeFinancingDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingentLiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingentLiabilitiesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureSegmentedInformationDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureSegmentedInformationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTaxesNonCapitalLossDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesNonCapitalLossDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureSubsequentEventsDetails" roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureStandardAndCustomAxisDomainDefaults" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#DisclosureStandardAndCustomAxisDomainDefaults" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://www.esma.europa.eu/xbrl/esef/arcrole/wider-narrower" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/arcrole/esma-arcrole-2018-11-21.xsd#wider-narrower" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureStandardAndCustomAxisDomainDefaults">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementClassOfStockAxis to ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:title="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:title="EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementEquityComponentsAxis to EquityComponentDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:title="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis to FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:label="ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:title="ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:title="ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis to ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:title="IncomeStatementLocationAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:title="IncomeStatementLocationDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:title="definition: IncomeStatementLocationAxis to IncomeStatementLocationDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:title="ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:title="ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:title="definition: ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis to ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:title="AwardTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: AwardTypeAxis to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:title="SubsequentEventTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:title="SubsequentEventTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: SubsequentEventTypeAxis to SubsequentEventTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RestatementAxis" xlink:label="RestatementAxis" xlink:title="RestatementAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RestatementDomain" xlink:label="RestatementDomain" xlink:title="RestatementDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="RestatementAxis" xlink:to="RestatementDomain" xlink:title="definition: RestatementAxis to RestatementDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:label="SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:title="SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:title="SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:to="SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:title="definition: SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis to SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAxis to BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:title="RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis to RelatedPartyDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="RangeAxis" xlink:title="RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember" xlink:title="RangeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:title="BalanceSheetLocationAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:title="BalanceSheetLocationDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:to="BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:title="definition: BalanceSheetLocationAxis to BalanceSheetLocationDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:title="ProductOrServiceAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:title="ProductsAndServicesDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:title="definition: ProductOrServiceAxis to ProductsAndServicesDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AwardDateAxis" xlink:label="AwardDateAxis" xlink:title="AwardDateAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AwardDateDomain" xlink:label="AwardDateDomain" xlink:title="AwardDateDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="AwardDateAxis" xlink:to="AwardDateDomain" xlink:title="definition: AwardDateAxis to AwardDateDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:title="StatementScenarioAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:title="ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementScenarioAxis to ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="LegalEntityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="EntityDomain" xlink:title="EntityDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="EntityDomain" xlink:title="definition: LegalEntityAxis to EntityDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:label="VestingAxis" xlink:title="VestingAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:label="VestingDomain" xlink:title="VestingDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="VestingAxis" xlink:to="VestingDomain" xlink:title="definition: VestingAxis to VestingDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:title="StatementGeographicalAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:title="SegmentGeographicalDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementGeographicalAxis to SegmentGeographicalDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis" xlink:label="TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis" xlink:title="TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain" xlink:label="TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain" xlink:title="TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis" xlink:to="TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis to TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DistributionsMadeToMemberOrLimitedPartnerByDistributionTypeAxis" xlink:label="DistributionsMadeToMemberOrLimitedPartnerByDistributionTypeAxis" xlink:title="DistributionsMadeToMemberOrLimitedPartnerByDistributionTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DistributionTypeDomain" xlink:label="DistributionTypeDomain" xlink:title="DistributionTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="DistributionsMadeToMemberOrLimitedPartnerByDistributionTypeAxis" xlink:to="DistributionTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: DistributionsMadeToMemberOrLimitedPartnerByDistributionTypeAxis to DistributionTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionAxis to RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis" xlink:label="CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis" xlink:title="CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProjectMember" xlink:label="ProjectMember" xlink:title="ProjectMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis" xlink:to="ProjectMember" xlink:title="definition: CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis to ProjectMember" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="PlanNameAxis" xlink:title="PlanNameAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="PlanNameDomain" xlink:title="PlanNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="PlanNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: PlanNameAxis to PlanNameDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:label="TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:title="TypeOfArrangementAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:label="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:title="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:title="definition: TypeOfArrangementAxis to ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:title="TitleOfIndividualAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:title="TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:to="TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:title="definition: TitleOfIndividualAxis to TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis" xlink:label="OtherCommitmentsAxis" xlink:title="OtherCommitmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain" xlink:label="OtherCommitmentsDomain" xlink:title="OtherCommitmentsDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="OtherCommitmentsAxis" xlink:to="OtherCommitmentsDomain" xlink:title="definition: OtherCommitmentsAxis to OtherCommitmentsDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:title="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis to AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="AssetAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="AssetAcquisitionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionDomain" xlink:label="AssetAcquisitionDomain" xlink:title="AssetAcquisitionDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="AssetAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="AssetAcquisitionDomain" xlink:title="definition: AssetAcquisitionAxis to AssetAcquisitionDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:title="CounterpartyNameAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:title="RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: CounterpartyNameAxis to RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis to FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:title="DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:title="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis to DerivativeContractTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GranteeStatusAxis" xlink:label="GranteeStatusAxis" xlink:title="GranteeStatusAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GranteeStatusDomain" xlink:label="GranteeStatusDomain" xlink:title="GranteeStatusDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="GranteeStatusAxis" xlink:to="GranteeStatusDomain" xlink:title="definition: GranteeStatusAxis to GranteeStatusDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_OwnershipAxis" xlink:label="OwnershipAxis" xlink:title="OwnershipAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:label="OwnershipDomain" xlink:title="OwnershipDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="OwnershipAxis" xlink:to="OwnershipDomain" xlink:title="definition: OwnershipAxis to OwnershipDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ExpirationPeriodAxis" xlink:label="ExpirationPeriodAxis" xlink:title="ExpirationPeriodAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ExpirationPeriodDomain" xlink:label="ExpirationPeriodDomain" xlink:title="ExpirationPeriodDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="ExpirationPeriodAxis" xlink:to="ExpirationPeriodDomain" xlink:title="definition: ExpirationPeriodAxis to ExpirationPeriodDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_1 To us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_1 To us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_1" order="1" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00090 - Document - Document And Entity Information" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_DocumentInformationTable" xlink:label="dei_DocumentInformationTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_CommonSharesWithoutParValueMember" xlink:label="tmc_CommonSharesWithoutParValueMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_CommonSharesWithoutParValueMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_RedeemableWarrantsEachWholeWarrantExercisableForOneCommonShareEachAtExercisePriceOf11.50PerShareMember" xlink:label="tmc_RedeemableWarrantsEachWholeWarrantExercisableForOneCommonShareEachAtExercisePriceOf11.50PerShareMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_RedeemableWarrantsEachWholeWarrantExercisableForOneCommonShareEachAtExercisePriceOf11.50PerShareMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:label="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentInformationTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_DocumentType" xlink:label="dei_DocumentType" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentType" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_DocumentAnnualReport" xlink:label="dei_DocumentAnnualReport" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentAnnualReport" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_DocumentTransitionReport" xlink:label="dei_DocumentTransitionReport" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentTransitionReport" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:label="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityFileNumber" xlink:label="dei_EntityFileNumber" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityFileNumber" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:label="dei_EntityRegistrantName" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityRegistrantName" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:label="dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" xlink:label="dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_CityAreaCode" xlink:label="dei_CityAreaCode" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_CityAreaCode" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_LocalPhoneNumber" xlink:label="dei_LocalPhoneNumber" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="15" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_LocalPhoneNumber" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_Security12bTitle" xlink:label="dei_Security12bTitle" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="16" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_Security12bTitle" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:label="dei_TradingSymbol" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="17" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_TradingSymbol" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:label="dei_SecurityExchangeName" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="18" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_SecurityExchangeName" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer" xlink:label="dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="19" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers" xlink:label="dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="20" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:label="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="21" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" xlink:label="dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="22" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:label="dei_EntityFilerCategory" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="23" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityFilerCategory" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntitySmallBusiness" xlink:label="dei_EntitySmallBusiness" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="24" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntitySmallBusiness" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" xlink:label="dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="25" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityExTransitionPeriod" xlink:label="dei_EntityExTransitionPeriod" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="26" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityExTransitionPeriod" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_IcfrAuditorAttestationFlag" xlink:label="dei_IcfrAuditorAttestationFlag" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="27" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_IcfrAuditorAttestationFlag" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityShellCompany" xlink:label="dei_EntityShellCompany" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="28" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityShellCompany" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityPublicFloat" xlink:label="dei_EntityPublicFloat" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="29" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityPublicFloat" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="30" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:label="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="31" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="32" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="33" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:label="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="34" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:label="dei_AmendmentFlag" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="35" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_AmendmentFlag" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_AuditorName" xlink:label="dei_AuditorName" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="36" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_AuditorName" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_AuditorFirmId" xlink:label="dei_AuditorFirmId" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="37" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_AuditorFirmId" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_AuditorLocation" xlink:label="dei_AuditorLocation" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="38" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_AuditorLocation" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInEquity" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00300 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfUnits" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfUnits" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfUnits" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_CommonSharesToBeIssuedForExplorationExpenses" xlink:label="tmc_CommonSharesToBeIssuedForExplorationExpenses" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_CommonSharesToBeIssuedForExplorationExpenses" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_CommonSharesToBeIssuedForExplorationExpensesShares" xlink:label="tmc_CommonSharesToBeIssuedForExplorationExpensesShares" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_CommonSharesToBeIssuedForExplorationExpensesShares" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfConvertibleSecurities" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfConvertibleSecurities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfConvertibleSecurities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="15" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_WarrantPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue" xlink:label="tmc_WarrantPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="16" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_WarrantPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="17" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueIssuedForServices" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueIssuedForServices" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="18" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueIssuedForServices" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesIssuedForServices" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesIssuedForServices" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="19" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesIssuedForServices" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="20" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="21" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfPreferredShares" xlink:label="tmc_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfPreferredShares" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="22" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfPreferredShares" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfPreferredShares" xlink:label="tmc_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfPreferredShares" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="23" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfPreferredShares" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="24" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="31503 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_LongtermIncentivePlanMember" xlink:label="tmc_LongtermIncentivePlanMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="tmc_LongtermIncentivePlanMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityNoteWarrantsOrRightsTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityNoteWarrantsOrRightsTextBlock" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityNoteWarrantsOrRightsTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSharebasedCompensationRestrictedStockAndRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSharebasedCompensationRestrictedStockAndRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSharebasedCompensationRestrictedStockAndRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureNatureOfOperationsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40101 - Disclosure - Nature of Operations (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CostsIncurredInOilAndGasPropertyAcquisitionExplorationAndDevelopmentActivitiesTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsIncurredInOilAndGasPropertyAcquisitionExplorationAndDevelopmentActivitiesTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsIncurredInOilAndGasPropertyAcquisitionExplorationAndDevelopmentActivitiesTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_NauruOceanResourcesIncMember" xlink:label="tmc_NauruOceanResourcesIncMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="tmc_NauruOceanResourcesIncMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_MarawaResearchAndExplorationLimitedMember" xlink:label="tmc_MarawaResearchAndExplorationLimitedMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="tmc_MarawaResearchAndExplorationLimitedMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_TongaOffshoreMiningLimitedMember" xlink:label="tmc_TongaOffshoreMiningLimitedMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="tmc_TongaOffshoreMiningLimitedMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CostsIncurredOilAndGasPropertyAcquisitionExplorationAndDevelopmentActivitiesLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsIncurredOilAndGasPropertyAcquisitionExplorationAndDevelopmentActivitiesLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsIncurredOilAndGasPropertyAcquisitionExplorationAndDevelopmentActivitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsIncurredInOilAndGasPropertyAcquisitionExplorationAndDevelopmentActivitiesTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_AreaOfExplorationRightGranted" xlink:label="tmc_AreaOfExplorationRightGranted" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsIncurredOilAndGasPropertyAcquisitionExplorationAndDevelopmentActivitiesLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_AreaOfExplorationRightGranted" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40201 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_OwnershipAxis" xlink:label="srt_OwnershipAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_MinorityInterestTable" xlink:to="srt_OwnershipAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:label="srt_OwnershipDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipAxis" xlink:to="srt_OwnershipDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_DeepgreemMetalsUlcMember" xlink:label="tmc_DeepgreemMetalsUlcMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:to="tmc_DeepgreemMetalsUlcMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_DeepgreenEngineeringPte.Ltd.Member" xlink:label="tmc_DeepgreenEngineeringPte.Ltd.Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:to="tmc_DeepgreenEngineeringPte.Ltd.Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_DeepGreenResourcesLLCMember" xlink:label="tmc_DeepGreenResourcesLLCMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:to="tmc_DeepGreenResourcesLLCMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_NauruOceanResourcesInc.Member" xlink:label="tmc_NauruOceanResourcesInc.Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:to="tmc_NauruOceanResourcesInc.Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_NauruEducationAndTrainingFoundationInc.Member" xlink:label="tmc_NauruEducationAndTrainingFoundationInc.Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:to="tmc_NauruEducationAndTrainingFoundationInc.Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_NauruHealthAndEnvironmentFoundationInc.Member" xlink:label="tmc_NauruHealthAndEnvironmentFoundationInc.Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:to="tmc_NauruHealthAndEnvironmentFoundationInc.Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_TongaOffshoreMiningLtd.Member" xlink:label="tmc_TongaOffshoreMiningLtd.Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:to="tmc_TongaOffshoreMiningLtd.Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_KoloaMoanaResourcesLtd.Member" xlink:label="tmc_KoloaMoanaResourcesLtd.Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:to="tmc_KoloaMoanaResourcesLtd.Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_OffshoreMineralsPty.Ltd.Member" xlink:label="tmc_OffshoreMineralsPty.Ltd.Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:to="tmc_OffshoreMineralsPty.Ltd.Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_DeepgreenTomlSingaporePte.Ltd.Member" xlink:label="tmc_DeepgreenTomlSingaporePte.Ltd.Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:to="tmc_DeepgreenTomlSingaporePte.Ltd.Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_DeepgreenTomlHolding1Ltd.Member" xlink:label="tmc_DeepgreenTomlHolding1Ltd.Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:to="tmc_DeepgreenTomlHolding1Ltd.Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_DeepgreenTomlHolding2Ltd.Member" xlink:label="tmc_DeepgreenTomlHolding2Ltd.Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:to="tmc_DeepgreenTomlHolding2Ltd.Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_MetalsCompanyAustraliaPtyLtdMember" xlink:label="tmc_MetalsCompanyAustraliaPtyLtdMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:to="tmc_MetalsCompanyAustraliaPtyLtdMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_TmcMetalsCompanyUkLimitedMember" xlink:label="tmc_TmcMetalsCompanyUkLimitedMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:to="tmc_TmcMetalsCompanyUkLimitedMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_MinorityInterestLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterestTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_MinorityInterestLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40301 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicyTable" xlink:label="tmc_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicyTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="tmc_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicyTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PrivatePlacementMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrivatePlacementMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrivatePlacementMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_PublicWarrantsMember" xlink:label="tmc_PublicWarrantsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:to="tmc_PublicWarrantsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="tmc_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicyTable" xlink:to="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_AllseasGroupSMember" xlink:label="tmc_AllseasGroupSMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="tmc_AllseasGroupSMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicyLineItems" xlink:label="tmc_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicyLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="tmc_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicyLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicyTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_FairValueAssetsLevel1ToLevel2TransfersAmount1" xlink:label="tmc_FairValueAssetsLevel1ToLevel2TransfersAmount1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="tmc_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicyLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_FairValueAssetsLevel1ToLevel2TransfersAmount1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="tmc_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicyLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_Cash" xlink:label="us-gaap_Cash" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="tmc_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicyLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Cash" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_PercentageOfEmployeesPurchaseOfCommonSharesAtDiscountPrice" xlink:label="tmc_PercentageOfEmployeesPurchaseOfCommonSharesAtDiscountPrice" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="tmc_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicyLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_PercentageOfEmployeesPurchaseOfCommonSharesAtDiscountPrice" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeAndExpensesLesseeAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeAndExpensesLesseeAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="tmc_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicyLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeAndExpensesLesseeAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeAndExpensesLesseeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureSignificantAccountingPoliciesLeasesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40302 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies - Leases (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ExplorationAndProductionEquipmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ExplorationAndProductionEquipmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ExplorationAndProductionEquipmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDepreciationRate" xlink:label="tmc_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDepreciationRate" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDepreciationRate" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureBusinessCombinationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40601 - Disclosure - Business Combination (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_DeepGreenMetalsIncMember" xlink:label="tmc_DeepGreenMetalsIncMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="tmc_DeepGreenMetalsIncMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_SoacSponsorMember" xlink:label="tmc_SoacSponsorMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="tmc_SoacSponsorMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_SoacMember" xlink:label="tmc_SoacMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="tmc_SoacMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassToHSpecialSharesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ClassToHSpecialSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ClassToHSpecialSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassISpecialSharesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ClassISpecialSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ClassISpecialSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassJSpecialSharesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ClassJSpecialSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ClassJSpecialSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassHSpecialSharesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ClassHSpecialSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ClassHSpecialSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_BusinessCombinationSharesExchangeRatio" xlink:label="tmc_BusinessCombinationSharesExchangeRatio" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_BusinessCombinationSharesExchangeRatio" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_BusinessCombinationThresholdTradingDaysWithinAnyThirtyTradingDayPeriodForAutomaticConversionOfSpecialShares" xlink:label="tmc_BusinessCombinationThresholdTradingDaysWithinAnyThirtyTradingDayPeriodForAutomaticConversionOfSpecialShares" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_BusinessCombinationThresholdTradingDaysWithinAnyThirtyTradingDayPeriodForAutomaticConversionOfSpecialShares" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_BusinessCombinationThresholdConsecutiveTradingDayPeriodForAutomaticConversionOfSpecialShares" xlink:label="tmc_BusinessCombinationThresholdConsecutiveTradingDayPeriodForAutomaticConversionOfSpecialShares" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_BusinessCombinationThresholdConsecutiveTradingDayPeriodForAutomaticConversionOfSpecialShares" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_BusinessCombinationTriggerPrice" xlink:label="tmc_BusinessCombinationTriggerPrice" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_BusinessCombinationTriggerPrice" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_BusinessCombinationMaximumProRataPortionOfSpecialSharesIfExercised" xlink:label="tmc_BusinessCombinationMaximumProRataPortionOfSpecialSharesIfExercised" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_BusinessCombinationMaximumProRataPortionOfSpecialSharesIfExercised" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_BusinessCombinationWarrantsToAcquireSharesOfCommonStock" xlink:label="tmc_BusinessCombinationWarrantsToAcquireSharesOfCommonStock" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_BusinessCombinationWarrantsToAcquireSharesOfCommonStock" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureBusinessCombinationSummaryOfSpecialSharesAndTheirRespectiveVestingThresholdsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40602 - Disclosure - Business Combination - Summary of the Special Shares and their respective vesting thresholds (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassaSpecialSharesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ClassaSpecialSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ClassaSpecialSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassBSpecialSharesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ClassBSpecialSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ClassBSpecialSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassCSpecialSharesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ClassCSpecialSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ClassCSpecialSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassDSpecialSharesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ClassDSpecialSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ClassDSpecialSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassESpecialSharesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ClassESpecialSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ClassESpecialSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassFSpecialSharesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ClassFSpecialSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ClassFSpecialSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassGSpecialSharesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ClassGSpecialSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ClassGSpecialSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassHSpecialSharesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ClassHSpecialSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ClassHSpecialSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassISpecialSharesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ClassISpecialSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ClassISpecialSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassJSpecialSharesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ClassJSpecialSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ClassJSpecialSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_DeepGreenMetalsIncMember" xlink:label="tmc_DeepGreenMetalsIncMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="tmc_DeepGreenMetalsIncMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_SoacMember" xlink:label="tmc_SoacMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="tmc_SoacMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_BusinessCombinationTriggerPrice" xlink:label="tmc_BusinessCombinationTriggerPrice" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_BusinessCombinationTriggerPrice" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_SpecialShareIssued" xlink:label="tmc_SpecialShareIssued" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_SpecialShareIssued" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureBusinessCombinationSoacSponsorsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40603 - Disclosure - Business Combination - SOAC sponsors (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_DeepGreenMetalsIncMember" xlink:label="tmc_DeepGreenMetalsIncMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="tmc_DeepGreenMetalsIncMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassISpecialSharesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ClassISpecialSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ClassISpecialSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassJSpecialSharesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ClassJSpecialSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ClassJSpecialSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_BusinessCombinationThresholdTradingDaysWithinAnyThirtyTradingDayPeriodForAutomaticConversionOfSpecialShares" xlink:label="tmc_BusinessCombinationThresholdTradingDaysWithinAnyThirtyTradingDayPeriodForAutomaticConversionOfSpecialShares" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_BusinessCombinationThresholdTradingDaysWithinAnyThirtyTradingDayPeriodForAutomaticConversionOfSpecialShares" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_BusinessCombinationThresholdConsecutiveTradingDayPeriodForAutomaticConversionOfSpecialShares" xlink:label="tmc_BusinessCombinationThresholdConsecutiveTradingDayPeriodForAutomaticConversionOfSpecialShares" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_BusinessCombinationThresholdConsecutiveTradingDayPeriodForAutomaticConversionOfSpecialShares" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_BusinessCombinationTriggerPrice" xlink:label="tmc_BusinessCombinationTriggerPrice" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_BusinessCombinationTriggerPrice" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureBusinessCombinationSummaryOfReconciliationOfCashProceedsFromBusinessCombinationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40604 - Disclosure - Business Combination - Summary of reconciliation of cash proceeds from the Business Combination (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_DeepGreenMetalsIncMember" xlink:label="tmc_DeepGreenMetalsIncMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="tmc_DeepGreenMetalsIncMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_SoacMember" xlink:label="tmc_SoacMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="tmc_SoacMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ProceedsFromBusinessCombinationFromRelatedParty" xlink:label="tmc_ProceedsFromBusinessCombinationFromRelatedParty" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_ProceedsFromBusinessCombinationFromRelatedParty" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ProceedsFromBusinessCombinationFromSaleOfEquitySecurities" xlink:label="tmc_ProceedsFromBusinessCombinationFromSaleOfEquitySecurities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_ProceedsFromBusinessCombinationFromSaleOfEquitySecurities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ProceedsFromBusinessCombination" xlink:label="tmc_ProceedsFromBusinessCombination" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_ProceedsFromBusinessCombination" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_NetContributionsFromBusinessCombination" xlink:label="tmc_NetContributionsFromBusinessCombination" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_NetContributionsFromBusinessCombination" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureBusinessCombinationTransactionCostsAndSoacSharesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40605 - Disclosure - Business Combination - Transaction costs and SOAC Shares (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_SoacMember" xlink:label="tmc_SoacMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="tmc_SoacMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassJSpecialSharesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ClassJSpecialSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ClassJSpecialSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_SharesIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitionRelatedCostsSettled" xlink:label="tmc_SharesIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitionRelatedCostsSettled" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_SharesIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitionRelatedCostsSettled" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodShares" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodShares" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_BusinessCombinationShareExchangeRatio" xlink:label="tmc_BusinessCombinationShareExchangeRatio" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_BusinessCombinationShareExchangeRatio" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_BusinessCombinationNumberOfSharesConverted" xlink:label="tmc_BusinessCombinationNumberOfSharesConverted" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_BusinessCombinationNumberOfSharesConverted" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureBusinessCombinationNumberOfSharesOfTmcCommonSharesIssuedImmediatelyFollowingConsummationOfBusinessCombinationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40606 - Disclosure - Business Combination - The number of shares of TMC common shares issued immediately following the consummation of the Business Combination (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_DeepGreenMetalsIncMember" xlink:label="tmc_DeepGreenMetalsIncMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="tmc_DeepGreenMetalsIncMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_SoacMember" xlink:label="tmc_SoacMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="tmc_SoacMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_SharesOutstandingPriorToBusinessCombinationBeforeRedemption" xlink:label="tmc_SharesOutstandingPriorToBusinessCombinationBeforeRedemption" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_SharesOutstandingPriorToBusinessCombinationBeforeRedemption" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodShares" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodShares" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_SharesOutstandingPriorToBusinessCombinationAfterRedemption" xlink:label="tmc_SharesOutstandingPriorToBusinessCombinationAfterRedemption" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_SharesOutstandingPriorToBusinessCombinationAfterRedemption" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_SharesIssuedToPrivateInvestorsInPublicEquityInvestors" xlink:label="tmc_SharesIssuedToPrivateInvestorsInPublicEquityInvestors" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_SharesIssuedToPrivateInvestorsInPublicEquityInvestors" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_BusinessCombinationNumberOfSharesConverted" xlink:label="tmc_BusinessCombinationNumberOfSharesConverted" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_BusinessCombinationNumberOfSharesConverted" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_SharesIssuedToSoacAndPrivateInvestorsInPublicEquityInvestors" xlink:label="tmc_SharesIssuedToSoacAndPrivateInvestorsInPublicEquityInvestors" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_SharesIssuedToSoacAndPrivateInvestorsInPublicEquityInvestors" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureBusinessCombinationTransactionCostsRelatedToBusinessCombinationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40607 - Disclosure - Business Combination - Transaction costs related to the Business Combination (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCosts" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCosts" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureTomlAcquisitionDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40701 - Disclosure - TOML Acquisition (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_TomlAcquisitionMember" xlink:label="tmc_TomlAcquisitionMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionDomain" xlink:to="tmc_TomlAcquisitionMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionConsiderationTransferred" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionConsiderationTransferred" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionConsiderationTransferred" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureTomlAcquisitionNetAssetsAcquiredAsPartOfTomlAcquisitionDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40702 - Disclosure - TOML Acquisition - Net assets acquired as part of the TOML Acquisition (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_TomlAcquisitionMember" xlink:label="tmc_TomlAcquisitionMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionDomain" xlink:to="tmc_TomlAcquisitionMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionConsiderationTransferred" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionConsiderationTransferred" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionConsiderationTransferred" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_AssetAcquisitionAllocationAbstract" xlink:label="tmc_AssetAcquisitionAllocationAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredAbstract" xlink:to="tmc_AssetAcquisitionAllocationAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="tmc_AssetAcquisitionAllocationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ExplorationLicensesNoncurrent" xlink:label="tmc_ExplorationLicensesNoncurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="tmc_AssetAcquisitionAllocationAbstract" xlink:to="tmc_ExplorationLicensesNoncurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="tmc_AssetAcquisitionAllocationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsNet" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="tmc_AssetAcquisitionAllocationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsNet" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40901 - Disclosure - Equipment (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ScheduleOfEquipmentTable" xlink:label="tmc_ScheduleOfEquipmentTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfEquipmentTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_DeepGreenMetalsIncMember" xlink:label="tmc_DeepGreenMetalsIncMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="tmc_DeepGreenMetalsIncMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfEquipmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ExplorationAndOtherEquipmentMember" xlink:label="tmc_ExplorationAndOtherEquipmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ExplorationAndOtherEquipmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ScheduleOfEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="tmc_ScheduleOfEquipmentLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_ScheduleOfEquipmentTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertiesPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="tmc_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertiesPlantAndEquipment" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DepreciationAbstract" xlink:to="tmc_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertiesPlantAndEquipment" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipmentPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipmentPeriodIncreaseDecrease" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DepreciationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipmentPeriodIncreaseDecrease" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNetBookValueAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNetBookValueAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNetBookValueAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsNet" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNetBookValueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsNet" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureExplorationContractsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41001 - Disclosure - Exploration Contracts - (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_NauruOceanResourcesIncMember" xlink:label="tmc_NauruOceanResourcesIncMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="tmc_NauruOceanResourcesIncMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_MarawaResearchAndExplorationLimitedMember" xlink:label="tmc_MarawaResearchAndExplorationLimitedMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="tmc_MarawaResearchAndExplorationLimitedMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_TongaOffshoreMiningLimitedMember" xlink:label="tmc_TongaOffshoreMiningLimitedMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="tmc_TongaOffshoreMiningLimitedMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_AllseasGroupSMember" xlink:label="tmc_AllseasGroupSMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="tmc_AllseasGroupSMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_MarawaAgreementsMember" xlink:label="tmc_MarawaAgreementsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="tmc_MarawaAgreementsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_NoriExplorationContractMember" xlink:label="tmc_NoriExplorationContractMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="tmc_NoriExplorationContractMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_TongaOffshoreMiningLimitedExplorationContractMember" xlink:label="tmc_TongaOffshoreMiningLimitedExplorationContractMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="tmc_TongaOffshoreMiningLimitedExplorationContractMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="tmc_AllseasGroupSMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClosingOfBusinessCombinationMember" xlink:label="tmc_ClosingOfBusinessCombinationMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ClosingOfBusinessCombinationMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_LaterOfOneOfTwoEventsMember" xlink:label="tmc_LaterOfOneOfTwoEventsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="tmc_LaterOfOneOfTwoEventsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_CompletionOfPmtsMember" xlink:label="tmc_CompletionOfPmtsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="tmc_CompletionOfPmtsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_PmtsAgreementAmendmentMember" xlink:label="tmc_PmtsAgreementAmendmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="tmc_PmtsAgreementAmendmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMiningAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMiningAssets" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMiningAssets" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetRenewableForSuccessivePeriod" xlink:label="tmc_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetRenewableForSuccessivePeriod" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetRenewableForSuccessivePeriod" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_AnnualFeesRoyaltiesAndTaxesPaidOnBehalfCommitted" xlink:label="tmc_AnnualFeesRoyaltiesAndTaxesPaidOnBehalfCommitted" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_AnnualFeesRoyaltiesAndTaxesPaidOnBehalfCommitted" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ExplorationApplicationFeeCommitmentAmount" xlink:label="tmc_ExplorationApplicationFeeCommitmentAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_ExplorationApplicationFeeCommitmentAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_OwnedCommonShare" xlink:label="tmc_OwnedCommonShare" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_OwnedCommonShare" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_CommonSharesOutstandingPercentage" xlink:label="tmc_CommonSharesOutstandingPercentage" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_CommonSharesOutstandingPercentage" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PercentageOfWeightedAverageCostInventory" xlink:label="us-gaap_PercentageOfWeightedAverageCostInventory" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PercentageOfWeightedAverageCostInventory" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_AdditionalCommonStockShares" xlink:label="tmc_AdditionalCommonStockShares" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_AdditionalCommonStockShares" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ConsiderationForAdditionalCommonStockShares" xlink:label="tmc_ConsiderationForAdditionalCommonStockShares" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_ConsiderationForAdditionalCommonStockShares" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="15" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="16" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentInProcess" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentInProcess" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="17" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentInProcess" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SharesIssuedPricePerShare" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesIssuedPricePerShare" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="18" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharesIssuedPricePerShare" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="19" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesSubscribedButUnissued" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesSubscribedButUnissued" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="20" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesSubscribedButUnissued" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SharePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharePrice" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="21" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharePrice" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_AmountsPayable" xlink:label="tmc_AmountsPayable" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="22" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_AmountsPayable" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_MetricTonesOfPolymetallicNodules" xlink:label="tmc_MetricTonesOfPolymetallicNodules" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="23" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_MetricTonesOfPolymetallicNodules" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="24" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_OveragePayment" xlink:label="tmc_OveragePayment" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="25" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_OveragePayment" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureExplorationContractsReconciliationOfCompanySCapitalizedExplorationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41002 - Disclosure - Exploration Contracts - Reconciliation of the Company's capitalized exploration (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_NoriExplorationContractMember" xlink:label="tmc_NoriExplorationContractMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="tmc_NoriExplorationContractMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_MarawaAgreementsMember" xlink:label="tmc_MarawaAgreementsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="tmc_MarawaAgreementsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_TongaOffshoreMiningLimitedExplorationContractMember" xlink:label="tmc_TongaOffshoreMiningLimitedExplorationContractMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="tmc_TongaOffshoreMiningLimitedExplorationContractMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ExplorationLicensesNoncurrent" xlink:label="tmc_ExplorationLicensesNoncurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_ExplorationLicensesNoncurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureExplorationContractsExplorationAndEvaluationExpensesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41003 - Disclosure - Exploration Contracts - Exploration and evaluation expenses (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ScheduleOfBreakDownOfExplorationExpensesTable" xlink:label="tmc_ScheduleOfBreakDownOfExplorationExpensesTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfBreakDownOfExplorationExpensesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_NoriExplorationContractMember" xlink:label="tmc_NoriExplorationContractMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="tmc_NoriExplorationContractMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_MarawaAgreementsMember" xlink:label="tmc_MarawaAgreementsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="tmc_MarawaAgreementsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_TongaOffshoreMiningLimitedExplorationContractMember" xlink:label="tmc_TongaOffshoreMiningLimitedExplorationContractMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="tmc_TongaOffshoreMiningLimitedExplorationContractMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ScheduleOfBreakDownOfExplorationExpensesLineItems" xlink:label="tmc_ScheduleOfBreakDownOfExplorationExpensesLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfBreakDownOfExplorationExpensesLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_ScheduleOfBreakDownOfExplorationExpensesTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_EnvironmentalStudies" xlink:label="tmc_EnvironmentalStudies" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfBreakDownOfExplorationExpensesLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_EnvironmentalStudies" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ExplorationLabor" xlink:label="tmc_ExplorationLabor" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfBreakDownOfExplorationExpensesLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_ExplorationLabor" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_MiningTechnologicalAndProcessDevelopment" xlink:label="tmc_MiningTechnologicalAndProcessDevelopment" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfBreakDownOfExplorationExpensesLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_MiningTechnologicalAndProcessDevelopment" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ExplorationExpensesInPilotMiningTest" xlink:label="tmc_ExplorationExpensesInPilotMiningTest" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfBreakDownOfExplorationExpensesLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_ExplorationExpensesInPilotMiningTest" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_CommonShareBasedCompensationPayments" xlink:label="tmc_CommonShareBasedCompensationPayments" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfBreakDownOfExplorationExpensesLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_CommonShareBasedCompensationPayments" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_WarrantPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue" xlink:label="tmc_WarrantPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfBreakDownOfExplorationExpensesLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_WarrantPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_SponsorshipTrainingAndStakeholderEngagement" xlink:label="tmc_SponsorshipTrainingAndStakeholderEngagement" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfBreakDownOfExplorationExpensesLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_SponsorshipTrainingAndStakeholderEngagement" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_OtherExplorationAndEvaluationExpenses" xlink:label="tmc_OtherExplorationAndEvaluationExpenses" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfBreakDownOfExplorationExpensesLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_OtherExplorationAndEvaluationExpenses" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ExplorationExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_ExplorationExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfBreakDownOfExplorationExpensesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ExplorationExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41101 - Disclosure - General and Administrative Expenses (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesDisclosureTable" xlink:label="tmc_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesDisclosureTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="tmc_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesDisclosureTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ProfessionalAndConsultingFeesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ProfessionalAndConsultingFeesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ProfessionalAndConsultingFeesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_InvestorRelationsMember" xlink:label="tmc_InvestorRelationsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="tmc_InvestorRelationsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_OfficeAndSundryMember" xlink:label="tmc_OfficeAndSundryMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="tmc_OfficeAndSundryMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_SalariesAndWagesMember" xlink:label="tmc_SalariesAndWagesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="tmc_SalariesAndWagesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_DirectorFeesMember" xlink:label="tmc_DirectorFeesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="tmc_DirectorFeesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ShareBasedCompensationMember" xlink:label="tmc_ShareBasedCompensationMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ShareBasedCompensationMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_TransferAgentAndFilingFeesMember" xlink:label="tmc_TransferAgentAndFilingFeesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="tmc_TransferAgentAndFilingFeesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_TravelExpensesMember" xlink:label="tmc_TravelExpensesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="tmc_TravelExpensesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_OtherExpensesMember" xlink:label="tmc_OtherExpensesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="tmc_OtherExpensesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="tmc_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesDisclosureTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="tmc_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesDisclosureLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="tmc_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesDisclosureTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="tmc_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ProfessionalConsultingFeesIncludingRestrictedStockUnitsSettledExpenses" xlink:label="tmc_ProfessionalConsultingFeesIncludingRestrictedStockUnitsSettledExpenses" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="tmc_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_ProfessionalConsultingFeesIncludingRestrictedStockUnitsSettledExpenses" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_InvestorRelationsIncludingRestrictedStockUnitsSettledExpenses" xlink:label="tmc_InvestorRelationsIncludingRestrictedStockUnitsSettledExpenses" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="tmc_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_InvestorRelationsIncludingRestrictedStockUnitsSettledExpenses" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureConvertibleDebenturesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41201 - Disclosure - Convertible Debentures (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleCommonStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConvertibleCommonStockMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConvertibleCommonStockMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIncreaseDecreaseOtherNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIncreaseDecreaseOtherNet" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIncreaseDecreaseOtherNet" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebtExcludingAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebtExcludingAmortization" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebtExcludingAmortization" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureWarrantsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41301 - Disclosure - Warrants (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_PublicWarrantsMember" xlink:label="tmc_PublicWarrantsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="tmc_PublicWarrantsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_PrivatePlacementWarrantsMember" xlink:label="tmc_PrivatePlacementWarrantsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="tmc_PrivatePlacementWarrantsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_AllseasWarrantsMember" xlink:label="tmc_AllseasWarrantsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="tmc_AllseasWarrantsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_RedemptionOfWarrantsWhenPricePerShareOfClassCommonStockEqualsOrExceeds18.00Member" xlink:label="tmc_RedemptionOfWarrantsWhenPricePerShareOfClassCommonStockEqualsOrExceeds18.00Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="tmc_RedemptionOfWarrantsWhenPricePerShareOfClassCommonStockEqualsOrExceeds18.00Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_PilotMiningTestSystemCompletedByNovember2022Member" xlink:label="tmc_PilotMiningTestSystemCompletedByNovember2022Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="tmc_PilotMiningTestSystemCompletedByNovember2022Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_DeepGreenMetalsIncMember" xlink:label="tmc_DeepGreenMetalsIncMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="tmc_DeepGreenMetalsIncMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstanding" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstanding" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassOfWarrantOrRightRedemptionPriceOfWarrantsOrRights" xlink:label="tmc_ClassOfWarrantOrRightRedemptionPriceOfWarrantsOrRights" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_ClassOfWarrantOrRightRedemptionPriceOfWarrantsOrRights" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassOfWarrantOrRightMinimumThresholdWrittenNoticePeriodForRedemptionOfWarrants" xlink:label="tmc_ClassOfWarrantOrRightMinimumThresholdWrittenNoticePeriodForRedemptionOfWarrants" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_ClassOfWarrantOrRightMinimumThresholdWrittenNoticePeriodForRedemptionOfWarrants" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_WarrantExercisePriceAdjustmentTrigger" xlink:label="tmc_WarrantExercisePriceAdjustmentTrigger" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_WarrantExercisePriceAdjustmentTrigger" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_WarrantRedemptionMeasurementConsecutiveTradingDaysOverSpecifiedAmount" xlink:label="tmc_WarrantRedemptionMeasurementConsecutiveTradingDaysOverSpecifiedAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_WarrantRedemptionMeasurementConsecutiveTradingDaysOverSpecifiedAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_WarrantRedemptionMeasurementPeriod" xlink:label="tmc_WarrantRedemptionMeasurementPeriod" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_WarrantRedemptionMeasurementPeriod" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ThresholdTradingDaysForCalculatingAverageClosingPrice" xlink:label="tmc_ThresholdTradingDaysForCalculatingAverageClosingPrice" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_ThresholdTradingDaysForCalculatingAverageClosingPrice" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsOutstanding" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsOutstanding" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_WarrantPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodInShares" xlink:label="tmc_WarrantPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodInShares" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_WarrantPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodInShares" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_WarrantPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue" xlink:label="tmc_WarrantPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_WarrantPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SharePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharePrice" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharePrice" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureWarrantsFairValueOfWarrantLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41302 - Disclosure - Warrants - Fair value of warrant liabilities (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PrivatePlacementMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrivatePlacementMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrivatePlacementMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLiabilityValue" xlink:label="tmc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLiabilityValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLiabilityValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLiabilityGainLoss" xlink:label="tmc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLiabilityGainLoss" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLiabilityGainLoss" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureWarrantsFairValueMeasurementsAssumptionsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41303 - Disclosure - Warrants - Fair value measurements assumptions (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_PrivatePlacementWarrantsMember" xlink:label="tmc_PrivatePlacementWarrantsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="tmc_PrivatePlacementWarrantsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExercisePrice" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExercisePrice" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SharePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharePrice" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharePrice" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureCommonSharesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41401 - Disclosure - Common Shares (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_DeepGreenMetalsIncMember" xlink:label="tmc_DeepGreenMetalsIncMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="tmc_DeepGreenMetalsIncMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredClassBMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredClassBMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredClassBMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_CommonStockNumberOfVotesPerShare" xlink:label="tmc_CommonStockNumberOfVotesPerShare" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_CommonStockNumberOfVotesPerShare" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_BusinessCombinationThresholdTradingDaysWithinAnyThirtyTradingDayPeriodForAutomaticConversionOfSpecialShares" xlink:label="tmc_BusinessCombinationThresholdTradingDaysWithinAnyThirtyTradingDayPeriodForAutomaticConversionOfSpecialShares" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_BusinessCombinationThresholdTradingDaysWithinAnyThirtyTradingDayPeriodForAutomaticConversionOfSpecialShares" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_BusinessCombinationThresholdConsecutiveTradingDayPeriodForAutomaticConversionOfSpecialShares" xlink:label="tmc_BusinessCombinationThresholdConsecutiveTradingDayPeriodForAutomaticConversionOfSpecialShares" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_BusinessCombinationThresholdConsecutiveTradingDayPeriodForAutomaticConversionOfSpecialShares" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_TriggerPricePerSpecialShare" xlink:label="tmc_TriggerPricePerSpecialShare" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_TriggerPricePerSpecialShare" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureCommonSharesAuthorizedIssuedAndOutstandingCommonSharesAndSpecialSharesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41402 - Disclosure - Common Shares - Authorized, issued and outstanding common shares and special shares (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ScheduleOfAuthorizedAndIssuedSharesCapitalTable" xlink:label="tmc_ScheduleOfAuthorizedAndIssuedSharesCapitalTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfAuthorizedAndIssuedSharesCapitalTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassaSpecialSharesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ClassaSpecialSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ClassaSpecialSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassBSpecialSharesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ClassBSpecialSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ClassBSpecialSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassCSpecialSharesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ClassCSpecialSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ClassCSpecialSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassDSpecialSharesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ClassDSpecialSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ClassDSpecialSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassESpecialSharesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ClassESpecialSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ClassESpecialSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassFSpecialSharesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ClassFSpecialSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ClassFSpecialSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassGSpecialSharesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ClassGSpecialSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ClassGSpecialSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassHSpecialSharesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ClassHSpecialSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ClassHSpecialSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassISpecialSharesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ClassISpecialSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ClassISpecialSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ClassJSpecialSharesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ClassJSpecialSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ClassJSpecialSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ScheduleOfAuthorizedAndIssuedSharesCapitalLineItems" xlink:label="tmc_ScheduleOfAuthorizedAndIssuedSharesCapitalLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfAuthorizedAndIssuedSharesCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_ScheduleOfAuthorizedAndIssuedSharesCapitalTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorizedUnlimited" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorizedUnlimited" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfAuthorizedAndIssuedSharesCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorizedUnlimited" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockNoParValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockNoParValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfAuthorizedAndIssuedSharesCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockNoParValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_SpecialSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="tmc_SpecialSharesAuthorized" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfAuthorizedAndIssuedSharesCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_SpecialSharesAuthorized" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_SpecialSharesNoParValuePerShare" xlink:label="tmc_SpecialSharesNoParValuePerShare" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfAuthorizedAndIssuedSharesCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_SpecialSharesNoParValuePerShare" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfAuthorizedAndIssuedSharesCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfAuthorizedAndIssuedSharesCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureCommonSharesScheduleOfCommonSharesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41403 - Disclosure - Common Shares - Schedule of common shares (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesIssuedForServicesIncludingExplorationExpenses" xlink:label="tmc_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesIssuedForServicesIncludingExplorationExpenses" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesIssuedForServicesIncludingExplorationExpenses" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueIssuedForServicesIncludingExplorationExpenses" xlink:label="tmc_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueIssuedForServicesIncludingExplorationExpenses" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueIssuedForServicesIncludingExplorationExpenses" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfUnits" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfUnits" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfUnits" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_StockIssuedDuringPeriodShareConversionOfPreferredShares" xlink:label="tmc_StockIssuedDuringPeriodShareConversionOfPreferredShares" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_StockIssuedDuringPeriodShareConversionOfPreferredShares" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfPreferredShares" xlink:label="tmc_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfPreferredShares" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfPreferredShares" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_AmountOfConversionOfDebentures" xlink:label="tmc_AmountOfConversionOfDebentures" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="15" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_AmountOfConversionOfDebentures" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="16" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="17" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="18" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="19" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41501 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ShortTermIncentivePlanMember" xlink:label="tmc_ShortTermIncentivePlanMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ShortTermIncentivePlanMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_LongtermIncentivePlanMember" xlink:label="tmc_LongtermIncentivePlanMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="tmc_LongtermIncentivePlanMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_IncentiveEquityPlan2021Member" xlink:label="tmc_IncentiveEquityPlan2021Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="tmc_IncentiveEquityPlan2021Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_VestingAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_VestingAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VestingDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VestingDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheTwoMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheTwoMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheTwoMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheThreeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheThreeMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheThreeMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_SharebasedPaymentArrangementTrancheFourMember" xlink:label="tmc_SharebasedPaymentArrangementTrancheFourMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:to="tmc_SharebasedPaymentArrangementTrancheFourMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockOptionMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockOptionMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ShareOptionOneMember" xlink:label="tmc_ShareOptionOneMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ShareOptionOneMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ShareOptionTwoMember" xlink:label="tmc_ShareOptionTwoMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ShareOptionTwoMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ShortTermIncentivePlanMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ExtensionOfExpiryDatesOfCertainStockOptionGrantsMember" xlink:label="tmc_ExtensionOfExpiryDatesOfCertainStockOptionGrantsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ExtensionOfExpiryDatesOfCertainStockOptionGrantsMember" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="tmc_LongtermIncentivePlanMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ExplorationAndEvaluationActivitiesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ExplorationAndEvaluationActivitiesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ExplorationAndEvaluationActivitiesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GranteeStatusAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_GranteeStatusAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_GranteeStatusAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GranteeStatusDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_GranteeStatusDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_GranteeStatusAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_GranteeStatusDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedPaymentArrangementNonemployeeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedPaymentArrangementNonemployeeMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_GranteeStatusDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedPaymentArrangementNonemployeeMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_CommonSharesIssuedAndOutstandingPercentage" xlink:label="tmc_CommonSharesIssuedAndOutstandingPercentage" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_CommonSharesIssuedAndOutstandingPercentage" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodToSettleLiabilitiesWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="tmc_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodToSettleLiabilitiesWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodToSettleLiabilitiesWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SharesIssued" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesIssued" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharesIssued" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_TotalGrantDateFairValueOfOptionsVested" xlink:label="tmc_TotalGrantDateFairValueOfOptionsVested" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_TotalGrantDateFairValueOfOptionsVested" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_WeightedAverageRecognitionTermPeriod" xlink:label="tmc_WeightedAverageRecognitionTermPeriod" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_WeightedAverageRecognitionTermPeriod" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="15" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="16" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare" xlink:label="us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="17" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ExercisePriceOfPerShare" xlink:label="tmc_ExercisePriceOfPerShare" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="18" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_ExercisePriceOfPerShare" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_DividendRatePercentage" xlink:label="tmc_DividendRatePercentage" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="19" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_DividendRatePercentage" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_MarketCapitalizations" xlink:label="tmc_MarketCapitalizations" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="20" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_MarketCapitalizations" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_DerivedPerShare" xlink:label="tmc_DerivedPerShare" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="21" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_DerivedPerShare" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_DerivedServicePeriods" xlink:label="tmc_DerivedServicePeriods" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="22" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_DerivedServicePeriods" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ShareOptionBasedPaymentsExpenses" xlink:label="tmc_ShareOptionBasedPaymentsExpenses" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="23" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_ShareOptionBasedPaymentsExpenses" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="24" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableAggregateIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableAggregateIntrinsicValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="25" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableAggregateIntrinsicValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="26" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsGrantedAndOutstandingUnderCompanySStipDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41503 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation - Stock options granted and outstanding under the Company's STIP (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AwardDateAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardDateAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardDateAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AwardDateDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardDateDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardDateAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardDateDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_March312024Member" xlink:label="tmc_March312024Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardDateDomain" xlink:to="tmc_March312024Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_December312025Member" xlink:label="tmc_December312025Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardDateDomain" xlink:to="tmc_December312025Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_February22026Member" xlink:label="tmc_February22026Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardDateDomain" xlink:to="tmc_February22026Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_February172026Member" xlink:label="tmc_February172026Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardDateDomain" xlink:to="tmc_February172026Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_June12028Member" xlink:label="tmc_June12028Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardDateDomain" xlink:to="tmc_June12028Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_June302028Member" xlink:label="tmc_June302028Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardDateDomain" xlink:to="tmc_June302028Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_June302023Member" xlink:label="tmc_June302023Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardDateDomain" xlink:to="tmc_June302023Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_January272026Member" xlink:label="tmc_January272026Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardDateDomain" xlink:to="tmc_January272026Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionOutstandingWeightedAveragesExercisePrice" xlink:label="tmc_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionOutstandingWeightedAveragesExercisePrice" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionOutstandingWeightedAveragesExercisePrice" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationWeightedAverageAssumptionsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41504 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation - Weighted average assumptions (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ScheduleOfWeightedAverageAssumptionsTable" xlink:label="tmc_ScheduleOfWeightedAverageAssumptionsTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_VestingAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfWeightedAverageAssumptionsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_VestingAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VestingDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VestingDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_SharebasedPaymentArrangementTrancheOneAndTwoMember" xlink:label="tmc_SharebasedPaymentArrangementTrancheOneAndTwoMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:to="tmc_SharebasedPaymentArrangementTrancheOneAndTwoMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheThreeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheThreeMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheThreeMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_SharebasedPaymentArrangementTrancheFourMember" xlink:label="tmc_SharebasedPaymentArrangementTrancheFourMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:to="tmc_SharebasedPaymentArrangementTrancheFourMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ScheduleOfWeightedAverageAssumptionsLineItems" xlink:label="tmc_ScheduleOfWeightedAverageAssumptionsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfWeightedAverageAssumptionsLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_ScheduleOfWeightedAverageAssumptionsTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfWeightedAverageAssumptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfWeightedAverageAssumptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfWeightedAverageAssumptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfWeightedAverageAssumptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="tmc_ScheduleOfWeightedAverageAssumptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41505 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation - Restricted Stock Units (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_VestingAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_VestingAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VestingDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VestingDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheThreeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheThreeMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheThreeMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheFiveMember" xlink:label="tmc_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheFiveMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheFiveMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheTwoMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheTwoMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheTwoMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_SharebasedPaymentArrangementTrancheFourMember" xlink:label="tmc_SharebasedPaymentArrangementTrancheFourMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:to="tmc_SharebasedPaymentArrangementTrancheFourMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GranteeStatusAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_GranteeStatusAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_GranteeStatusAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GranteeStatusDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_GranteeStatusDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_GranteeStatusAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_GranteeStatusDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedPaymentArrangementNonemployeeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedPaymentArrangementNonemployeeMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_GranteeStatusDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedPaymentArrangementNonemployeeMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ExplorationAndEvaluationActivitiesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ExplorationAndEvaluationActivitiesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ExplorationAndEvaluationActivitiesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="tmc_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodIntrinsicValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodIntrinsicValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationSummaryOfMovementsInRsusDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41506 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation - Summary of the movements in RSUs (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsExercisedInPeriod" xlink:label="tmc_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsExercisedInPeriod" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="tmc_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsExercisedInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsExercisedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="tmc_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsExercisedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:to="tmc_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsExercisedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ProfessionalConsultingFeesIncludingRestrictedStockUnitsSettledExpenses" xlink:label="tmc_ProfessionalConsultingFeesIncludingRestrictedStockUnitsSettledExpenses" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_ProfessionalConsultingFeesIncludingRestrictedStockUnitsSettledExpenses" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_InvestorRelationsIncludingRestrictedStockUnitsSettledExpenses" xlink:label="tmc_InvestorRelationsIncludingRestrictedStockUnitsSettledExpenses" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_InvestorRelationsIncludingRestrictedStockUnitsSettledExpenses" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationEmployeeSharePurchasePlanDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41507 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation - Employee Share Purchase Plan (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_StockOptionsDetailsTable" xlink:label="tmc_StockOptionsDetailsTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="tmc_StockOptionsDetailsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_EmployeeSharePurchasePlanMember" xlink:label="tmc_EmployeeSharePurchasePlanMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="tmc_EmployeeSharePurchasePlanMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="tmc_StockOptionsDetailsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="tmc_StockOptionsDetailsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ExplorationAndEvaluationActivitiesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ExplorationAndEvaluationActivitiesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ExplorationAndEvaluationActivitiesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_StockOptionsDetailsLineItems" xlink:label="tmc_StockOptionsDetailsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="tmc_StockOptionsDetailsLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_StockOptionsDetailsTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="tmc_StockOptionsDetailsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOther" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOther" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="tmc_StockOptionsDetailsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOther" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_PercentageOfCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="tmc_PercentageOfCommonStockSharesOutstanding" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="tmc_StockOptionsDetailsLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_PercentageOfCommonStockSharesOutstanding" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanOfferingPeriod" xlink:label="tmc_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanOfferingPeriod" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="tmc_StockOptionsDetailsLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanOfferingPeriod" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanPurchasePeriod" xlink:label="tmc_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanPurchasePeriod" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="tmc_StockOptionsDetailsLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanPurchasePeriod" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_PercentageOfPurchasedSharePrice" xlink:label="tmc_PercentageOfPurchasedSharePrice" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="tmc_StockOptionsDetailsLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_PercentageOfPurchasedSharePrice" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_PercentageOfEmployeesContributionLimitedToEmployeesAnnualGrossEarnings" xlink:label="tmc_PercentageOfEmployeesContributionLimitedToEmployeesAnnualGrossEarnings" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="tmc_StockOptionsDetailsLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_PercentageOfEmployeesContributionLimitedToEmployeesAnnualGrossEarnings" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_EmployeeAnnualGrossEarningsNotToExceedAmountPerYear" xlink:label="tmc_EmployeeAnnualGrossEarningsNotToExceedAmountPerYear" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="tmc_StockOptionsDetailsLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_EmployeeAnnualGrossEarningsNotToExceedAmountPerYear" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_EmployeePurchasesInAnyOfferingPeriodCannotExceedCommonShares" xlink:label="tmc_EmployeePurchasesInAnyOfferingPeriodCannotExceedCommonShares" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="tmc_StockOptionsDetailsLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_EmployeePurchasesInAnyOfferingPeriodCannotExceedCommonShares" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_PercentageOfEmployeesPurchasesCappedNotToExceedTotalOutstandingCommonShares" xlink:label="tmc_PercentageOfEmployeesPurchasesCappedNotToExceedTotalOutstandingCommonShares" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="tmc_StockOptionsDetailsLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_PercentageOfEmployeesPurchasesCappedNotToExceedTotalOutstandingCommonShares" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="tmc_StockOptionsDetailsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesOther" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesOther" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="tmc_StockOptionsDetailsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesOther" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureLossPerShareAntiDilutiveCommonEquivalentSharesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41601 - Disclosure - Loss per Share - Anti-dilutive common equivalent shares (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_EmployeeSharePurchasePlanMember" xlink:label="tmc_EmployeeSharePurchasePlanMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="tmc_EmployeeSharePurchasePlanMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_WarrantMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_WarrantMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_SpecialSharesAndOptionsToPurchaseSpecialSharesMember" xlink:label="tmc_SpecialSharesAndOptionsToPurchaseSpecialSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="tmc_SpecialSharesAndOptionsToPurchaseSpecialSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41801 - Disclosure - Related Party Transactions (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_RelatedPartyTransactionsDetailsTable" xlink:label="tmc_RelatedPartyTransactionsDetailsTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="tmc_RelatedPartyTransactionsDetailsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_SSCSPteLtdMember" xlink:label="tmc_SSCSPteLtdMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:to="tmc_SSCSPteLtdMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_OceanRenaissanceLLCMember" xlink:label="tmc_OceanRenaissanceLLCMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:to="tmc_OceanRenaissanceLLCMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="tmc_RelatedPartyTransactionsDetailsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProjectMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProjectMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProjectMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ExplorationAndEvaluationMember" xlink:label="tmc_ExplorationAndEvaluationMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProjectMember" xlink:to="tmc_ExplorationAndEvaluationMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="tmc_RelatedPartyTransactionsDetailsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ExplorationAndEvaluationActivitiesMember" xlink:label="tmc_ExplorationAndEvaluationActivitiesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ExplorationAndEvaluationActivitiesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_RelatedPartyTransactionsDetailsLineItems" xlink:label="tmc_RelatedPartyTransactionsDetailsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="tmc_RelatedPartyTransactionsDetailsLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_RelatedPartyTransactionsDetailsTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ConsultingServicesAmount" xlink:label="tmc_ConsultingServicesAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="tmc_RelatedPartyTransactionsDetailsLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_ConsultingServicesAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_AmountsPayable" xlink:label="tmc_AmountsPayable" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="tmc_RelatedPartyTransactionsDetailsLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_AmountsPayable" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosurePipeFinancingDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41901 - Disclosure - PIPE Financing (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_SecuritiesPurchaseAgreementMember" xlink:label="tmc_SecuritiesPurchaseAgreementMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="tmc_SecuritiesPurchaseAgreementMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:to="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_PrivateInvestmentInPublicEquityPurchasersMember" xlink:label="tmc_PrivateInvestmentInPublicEquityPurchasersMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:to="tmc_PrivateInvestmentInPublicEquityPurchasersMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ChiefExecutiveOfficerMember" xlink:label="srt_ChiefExecutiveOfficerMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:to="srt_ChiefExecutiveOfficerMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ErasCapitalLlcFamilyFundOfCompanySDirectorAndreiKarkarMember" xlink:label="tmc_ErasCapitalLlcFamilyFundOfCompanySDirectorAndreiKarkarMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ErasCapitalLlcFamilyFundOfCompanySDirectorAndreiKarkarMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_PlacementAgentMember" xlink:label="tmc_PlacementAgentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:to="tmc_PlacementAgentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_NumberOfSecuritiesPurchaseAgreements" xlink:label="tmc_NumberOfSecuritiesPurchaseAgreements" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_NumberOfSecuritiesPurchaseAgreements" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SharesIssuedPricePerShare" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesIssuedPricePerShare" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharesIssuedPricePerShare" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_PlacementAgentFeesAndOfferingExpenses" xlink:label="tmc_PlacementAgentFeesAndOfferingExpenses" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_PlacementAgentFeesAndOfferingExpenses" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_PlacementAgentFeesAndOfferingExpensesSettledByIssuingShares" xlink:label="tmc_PlacementAgentFeesAndOfferingExpensesSettledByIssuingShares" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_PlacementAgentFeesAndOfferingExpensesSettledByIssuingShares" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_PlacementAgentFeesAndOfferingExpensesNumberOfSharesIssuedForSettlement" xlink:label="tmc_PlacementAgentFeesAndOfferingExpensesNumberOfSharesIssuedForSettlement" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_PlacementAgentFeesAndOfferingExpensesNumberOfSharesIssuedForSettlement" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingentLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="42001 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_NauruOceanResourcesIncMember" xlink:label="tmc_NauruOceanResourcesIncMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="tmc_NauruOceanResourcesIncMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_MarawaResearchAndExplorationLimitedMember" xlink:label="tmc_MarawaResearchAndExplorationLimitedMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="tmc_MarawaResearchAndExplorationLimitedMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_TongaOffshoreMiningLimitedMember" xlink:label="tmc_TongaOffshoreMiningLimitedMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="tmc_TongaOffshoreMiningLimitedMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_DeepgreenEngineeringPteLtdMember" xlink:label="tmc_DeepgreenEngineeringPteLtdMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="tmc_DeepgreenEngineeringPteLtdMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ExplorationExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_ExplorationExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ExplorationExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentPeriod" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentPeriod" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_SupplyCommitmentPercentOfProductionCommitted" xlink:label="tmc_SupplyCommitmentPercentOfProductionCommitted" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_SupplyCommitmentPercentOfProductionCommitted" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureSegmentedInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="42201 - Disclosure - Segmented Information (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_RepublicOfNauruMember" xlink:label="tmc_RepublicOfNauruMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="tmc_RepublicOfNauruMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2022/country-2022.xsd#country_SG" xlink:label="country_SG" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="country_SG" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2022/country-2022.xsd#country_TO" xlink:label="country_TO" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="country_TO" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_NorthAmericaMember" xlink:label="srt_NorthAmericaMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="srt_NorthAmericaMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesNonCapitalLossDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="42306 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Non-capital loss (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ExpirationPeriodAxis" xlink:label="tmc_ExpirationPeriodAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable" xlink:to="tmc_ExpirationPeriodAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ExpirationPeriodDomain" xlink:label="tmc_ExpirationPeriodDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="tmc_ExpirationPeriodAxis" xlink:to="tmc_ExpirationPeriodDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_TaxYear2035Member" xlink:label="tmc_TaxYear2035Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="tmc_ExpirationPeriodDomain" xlink:to="tmc_TaxYear2035Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_TaxYear2041Member" xlink:label="tmc_TaxYear2041Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="tmc_ExpirationPeriodDomain" xlink:to="tmc_TaxYear2041Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_TaxYear2042Member" xlink:label="tmc_TaxYear2042Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="tmc_ExpirationPeriodDomain" xlink:to="tmc_TaxYear2042Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_NoExpiryMember" xlink:label="tmc_NoExpiryMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="tmc_ExpirationPeriodDomain" xlink:to="tmc_NoExpiryMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2022/country-2022.xsd#country_CA" xlink:label="country_CA" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="country_CA" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2022/country-2022.xsd#country_US" xlink:label="country_US" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="country_US" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2022/country-2022.xsd#country_SG" xlink:label="country_SG" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="country_SG" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2022/country-2022.xsd#country_TO" xlink:label="country_TO" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="country_TO" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://tmc.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="42401 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_FifthAmendmentToPilotMiningTestAgreementAndThirdAmendmentToSaaMember" xlink:label="tmc_FifthAmendmentToPilotMiningTestAgreementAndThirdAmendmentToSaaMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="tmc_FifthAmendmentToPilotMiningTestAgreementAndThirdAmendmentToSaaMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_AllseasGroupSMember" xlink:label="tmc_AllseasGroupSMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="tmc_AllseasGroupSMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_NauruOceanResourcesIncMember" xlink:label="tmc_NauruOceanResourcesIncMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="tmc_NauruOceanResourcesIncMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_LowCarbonRoyaltiesInc.Member" xlink:label="tmc_LowCarbonRoyaltiesInc.Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="tmc_LowCarbonRoyaltiesInc.Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_UnsecuredCreditFacilityAgreementMember" xlink:label="tmc_UnsecuredCreditFacilityAgreementMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="tmc_UnsecuredCreditFacilityAgreementMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_ArgentumCreditVirtutiGcvMember" xlink:label="tmc_ArgentumCreditVirtutiGcvMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain" xlink:to="tmc_ArgentumCreditVirtutiGcvMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateMember" xlink:label="tmc_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="tmc_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_AmountDueUponSuccessfulCompletionOfPilotTrial" xlink:label="tmc_AmountDueUponSuccessfulCompletionOfPilotTrial" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_AmountDueUponSuccessfulCompletionOfPilotTrial" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_NumberOfSharesIssuableUponSuccessfulCompletionOfPilotTrial" xlink:label="tmc_NumberOfSharesIssuableUponSuccessfulCompletionOfPilotTrial" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_NumberOfSharesIssuableUponSuccessfulCompletionOfPilotTrial" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SharesIssuedPricePerShare" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesIssuedPricePerShare" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharesIssuedPricePerShare" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_PaymentForMilestone" xlink:label="tmc_PaymentForMilestone" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_PaymentForMilestone" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_AdditionalOverageCharges" xlink:label="tmc_AdditionalOverageCharges" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_AdditionalOverageCharges" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAdditionalOverageCharges" xlink:label="tmc_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAdditionalOverageCharges" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAdditionalOverageCharges" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_PercentageOfGrossOverridingRoyalty" xlink:label="tmc_PercentageOfGrossOverridingRoyalty" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_PercentageOfGrossOverridingRoyalty" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_MaximumPercentageOfRightToRepurchaseRoyaltyRetained" xlink:label="tmc_MaximumPercentageOfRightToRepurchaseRoyaltyRetained" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_MaximumPercentageOfRightToRepurchaseRoyaltyRetained" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_RetainedRightToRepurchaseOfRoyaltyExercisableInNumberOfTransactions" xlink:label="tmc_RetainedRightToRepurchaseOfRoyaltyExercisableInNumberOfTransactions" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_RetainedRightToRepurchaseOfRoyaltyExercisableInNumberOfTransactions" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_PercentageOfReducedRoyaltyOnExecutionOfRepurchaseTransactions" xlink:label="tmc_PercentageOfReducedRoyaltyOnExecutionOfRepurchaseTransactions" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_PercentageOfReducedRoyaltyOnExecutionOfRepurchaseTransactions" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_PercentageOfGrossOverridingRoyaltyOnProducingNaturalGasField" xlink:label="tmc_PercentageOfGrossOverridingRoyaltyOnProducingNaturalGasField" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_PercentageOfGrossOverridingRoyaltyOnProducingNaturalGasField" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_PercentageOfCommonOwnershipInterestOnFullyDilutedBasisAsOfClosingReceived" xlink:label="tmc_PercentageOfCommonOwnershipInterestOnFullyDilutedBasisAsOfClosingReceived" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_PercentageOfCommonOwnershipInterestOnFullyDilutedBasisAsOfClosingReceived" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmc-20221231.xsd#tmc_AmountOfCashReceivedInCommonOwnershipInterestOnFullyDilutedBasisAsOfClosing" xlink:label="tmc_AmountOfCashReceivedInCommonOwnershipInterestOnFullyDilutedBasisAsOfClosing" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="tmc_AmountOfCashReceivedInCommonOwnershipInterestOnFullyDilutedBasisAsOfClosing" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="15" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="16" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
</link:linkbase>

