Prime Minister Brown addresses international Cobalt conference

Prime Minister Mark Brown

“At a time when the world is searching for sustainable solutions to the challenges of today and tomorrow, the Cook Islands, I am proud to say, has an opportunity to play a significant role in not only transforming our future, but also contributing to global transformation through access to strategic metals critical to the global energy transition” said Prime Minister Brown at an international cobalt conference recently.

The Prime Minister made his remarks at the 26th Cobalt Conference hosted virtually by the Cobalt Institute from 18 to 19 May 2021. The conference is an annual event that brings the international cobalt sector together. This year’s focus was on the role of cobalt in ensuring a sustainable future.

The Prime Minister spoke about the Cook Island’s seabed minerals, which contain cobalt, and the nation’s efforts to sustainably and responsibly develop its vast resource as a potential means to provide much needed economic security and to support the global transition to a low-carbon economy.

The Cook Islands seabed minerals sector is currently in the exploration phase, with future exploration activities expected to improve knowledge and understanding of the Marae Moana.

“We will proceed with a precautionary approach, taking decisions based on the best available science, to manage our seabed minerals resources and protect our marine biodiversity,” said Prime Minister Brown.

Left: Adam McCarthy, President of Cobalt Institute

Right: Panel members for Session 2 on Cobalt Supply

Adam McCarthy, President of the Cobalt Institute, gave a word of thanks at the end of Prime Minister Brown’s address, describing it as insightful and inspiring.

A panel session followed the Prime Minister’s presentation and picked up on his theme of sustainability and responsibility. They noted the perspectives from proponents and opponents of seabed minerals and the role that data collection can play to build trust between the parties and inform discussions on how to balance the benefits and potential impacts.

In a separate session, a senior market analyst from Roskill gave a cobalt market report and projected continued cobalt demand growth driven by the uptake of electric vehicles globally. As the world transitions away from its dependency on fossil fuels and towards a low-carbon economy, it is expected that the demand in the strategic metals such as cobalt, nickel and copper will continue to rise. 

For more on the Prime Minister’s address, click here.

For more on the Cobalt Conference, click here.