Seabed Minerals Exploration Programme Updates
We are committed to sustainably and responsibly developing our SBM sector for the benefit of our Cook Islands people. In line with the precautionary approach, any future decision on whether or not we will allow harvesting to occur needs to be science based.
To achieve this, we need more data and information about the nature of our mineral resource and the marine environment so that we can better understand and address the potential environmental impacts and likely commercial viability. This understanding can only be obtained through exploration research work, which is why the Seabed Minerals Exploration Programme is important.
Our SBM sustainability goals
Environmental protection
As mana tiaki stewards, we are applying the highest environmental standards to ensure protection of our Marae Moana. We will not allow any SBM activities that will cause serious harm to our marine environment.
People empowerment
We are committed to creating opportunities for our Cook Islands people through jobs (e.g. government, industry, research), scholarships, training, and local goods and services.
Knowledge advancement
We are on a journey of knowledge and discovery of our Marae Moana. We want to learn more about our ocean
Economic diversification
The Cook Islands are overly reliant on tourism. This economic vulnerability was highlighted during the recent COVID pandemic. We are committed to diversifying our economy by exploring other options that could contribute to the Cook Islands’ economic well-being.
Contribution to clean energy transition
The seabed minerals of the Cook Islands contain cobalt, nickel, manganese, copper and rare earth elements – all of which are needed for clean energy technologies.
What has been achieved so far?
More Research Expeditions by companies and Government (see graphic)
Government’s development of:
First ever JORC-compliant resource estimate
First ever seabed geomorphological map developed
Habitat Management Zones
Environmental Effects Assessment
Cumulative Impact Assessment (currently underway)
Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Data Public Repository (CSD) – where all environmental data collected can be found at: https://www.sbma.gov.ck/csd-1
Sea safety training
Certification of over 30 Cook Islanders to STCW certification in Rarotonga and Aitutaki
Cook Island lead research expeditions
ARTEX in December 2023
Upcoming: Women In Science Expedition (WISE) in September 2024
Continuing to build up our Legal Framework
Seabed Minerals Act amendments passed
SBM Environmental Regulations passed
SBM Standards and Guidelines passed
Monitoring & Compliance Enforcement Framework developed
Inspector regime established
Ongoing consultations with Cook Islands communities
All inhabited islands reached
Diaspora consultations coming up
Seafloor mapping around some of our islands
This new information helps our fishermen, and the safe passage of ships
This information is publicly available on our CSD
What are we learning through Exploration Research?
In 2022, three Exploration Licenses were issued to: CIC, CSR, and Moana Minerals.
Two years into the exploration research programme, we are learning more about our Marae Moana and contributing to the global effort to better understand the world’s deep sea marine environment and seabed.
We now have around 4 terabytes of new data and new knowledge, with the environmental data publicly available on SBMA’s website: https://www.sbma.gov.ck/csd-1
Independently monitored technology trials overseas is also expanding our knowledge of the environmental impacts of nodule harvesting and environmental monitoring in the deep sea. This will greatly inform our work in the Cook Islands.
For example, we have learned that:
sediment plumes do not travel thousands of kilometers as previously suggested – instead, most sediment deposits within a few hundred metres
the sediment plumes did not rise high into the sea as previously asserted – instead they stuck close to the seafloor
noise from the collector was low and was undetectable within 400m and most noise is expected to come from the surface ships, similar to other ships
Is minerals harvesting (or mining) happening?
No. The scientific research required during exploration takes years to complete and licence holders must also undertake an environmental impact assessment (EIA) and develop an Environmental Management and Monitoring plan (EMMP) before they can apply to conduct minerals harvesting. The work being done now will lead to the science and knowledge we need to make informed decisions.
What about the precautionary pause or moratorium being pushed?
While some stakeholders are pushing for a precautionary pause, or moratorium, on seabed mineral harvesting, it is important to remember that robust laws and science-based decision making are the best way to ensure environmental protection.
All stakeholders, including government and civil society, agree on the importance of making decisions based on science, and science needs data to make accurate and informed decisions.
The research that moratorium campaigners are calling for is already required by the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority and we are currently in a research phase.
What next?
We will continue the Exploration Research Programme over the next few years. The Government will also continue to encourage further deep ocean scientific research throughout our waters. The next one planned is the Women in Science Expedition (WISE), which is being co-led by our very own Cook Islands scientist, Rima Browne.
We will continue to engage with our Cook Islands people to ensure that decisions in this sector are in the interests and for the benefit of our country.
Meitaki maata to all our Cook Islands people and stakeholders for your support and contributions, and we look forward to working with you and our communities into more years of exploration and discovery.
Source by: Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority