You can read all the latest news and updates on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector here.
Cook Islands government has revealed that it sees greater economic potential in seabed mining, which has fuelled concerns from the Opposition.
The deep-sea mining for polymetallic nodules rich in cobalt, copper, nickel and manganese has the potential to transform the country’s earning to “much, much greater levels”, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Read MoreDelays in the seabed minerals exploration and research are expected due to opposition and the efficiency of the regulatory system, says one of the three deep sea mining companies exploring the Cook Islands seabed.
Read MoreSome say there is not enough evidence or data so stop, and some say well, it is from God so we must proceed, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.
Read MoreThe Cook Islands recently hosted the 52nd Underwater Minerals Conference (UMC) from 15 to 21 September 2024, marking the first time this prestigious event took place in a small island state. Organised by the International Marine Minerals Society (IMMS) in partnership with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority, the conference was held at the Cook Islands National Auditorium, attracting experts, researchers, and industry leaders from around the world.
Read MoreA recent online opinion poll conducted in the Cook Islands revealed that 66 per cent of residents oppose deep sea mining, while 49 per cent disapprove of exploration.
The government regulator overseeing seabed minerals activities in the Cook Islands rejected the poll result saying that the methodology was flawed and “did not fully capture the breadth of the public’s views on this complex issue”.
Read MoreCook Islands government will consider extending the exploration phase for deep-sea mining to gather more comprehensive data and ensure informed decision-making about the potential environmental impacts.
Prime Minister Mark Brown has revealed that there is a possibility of extending the exploration time frame beyond five years, depending on the satisfaction derived from the data and findings of the three companies conducting the exploration of the country’s seabed.
Read MoreCook Islands is set to gain a deeper understanding of seabed mining through expert discussions and knowledge sharing at the 52nd Underwater Minerals Conference held at the National Auditorium.
According to its technical chair, John C. Wiltshire, the goal of the conference, which has brought about 250 scientists from across the world, is to help Cook Islands gain more knowledge on seabed mining.
The four-day conference that ends tomorrow is the world’s largest gathering of ocean mineral stakeholders.
Read MorePrime Minister Mark Brown has welcomed the At Sea,Sail Out Rally against deep-sea mining but has expressed reservations about the call for a moratorium on deep-sea activities.
The “peaceful rally” at sea and on land to call for a precautionary pause to deep sea mining is organised by Ocean Ancestors, a collective of individuals, NGOs, and businesses united by their shared passion for protecting the ocean. It will be held this afternoon, starting at 4pm, at the Avarua Harbour (Trader Jacks carpark).
Read MoreCook Islands wants to be the country that is at the forefront of the seabed minerals sector, declared Prime Minister Mark Brown.
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