You can read all the latest news and updates on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector here.
The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) recently held community consultations in Aitutaki to provide updates on developments in the seabed minerals sector and to hear directly from our local communities. These consultations form part of SBMA’s ongoing commitment to transparent, community-led engagement as the Cook Islands remains in an exploration-only phase.
Read MoreThe Government of the Cook Islands and the Government of the United States have agreed a non-binding Framework for Engagement and Cooperation to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals and rare earths, including cooperation relating to deep-sea minerals.
Read MoreWe’d like to explain what a deep-sea minerals exploration licence actually means for the Cook Islands — and equally important, what it does not mean. Some people worry that, by granting exploration licences, we have already agreed to mining.
We have not. Exploration does not give anyone permission to begin minerals harvesting.
This overview sets out the facts, the process, and the safeguards in place so our country can understand what is really happening in our waters today.
Read MoreThe Cook Islands has completed a week-long marine scientific research cruise aboard the R/V Da Yang Hao, strengthening national ocean-science capability and deepening understanding of our deep-ocean environment within our Marae Moana. The cruise, conducted under Cook Islands jurisdiction and in accordance with national marine scientific research protocols, brought together representatives from the Cook Islands and their scientific counterparts for hands-on learning, data collection, and cross-cultural exchange.
Read MoreCollaborative expedition combines local knowledge and global expertise to study deep habitats in Cook Islands waters. The E/V Nautilus has completed a 21-day research cruise across priority deep-sea areas of the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana and wrapped up its portside engagements in Rarotonga before departing our shores.
Read MoreThe first dive of the NA176 marine scientific cruise has delivered exceptional results.
One of the cruise participants, Deep Sea Power and Light, provided cutting edge new camera technology [1] and a small team of experts to commission and maintain the equipment. This is the first time this technology has been deployed to such depths anywhere in the world.
Read MoreCook Islands has secured additional seabed control after the United Nations approved its claim over the Manihiki Plateau, granting the country exclusive rights over an additional 350,000 square kilometres of seabed resources.
This follows the formal receipt of recommendations from the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) regarding the Cook Islands’ revised submission on the continental shelf limits beyond 200 nautical miles for the Manihiki Plateau.
Read MoreAt the heart of the Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) is our Seabed Minerals Commissioner, Mrs Beverly Stacey Ataera - a leader whose story blends international expertise with deep cultural belonging.
Read MoreLater this week, the Cook Islands will welcome the arrival of the exploration vessel E/V Nautilus, a world-class platform for deep-sea discovery. Over the course of a 21-day science mission beginning 1 October 2025, the Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) and its partners will work alongside the Nautilus team to explore and better understand the hidden depths of Marae Moana.
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