The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) regretfully announces the resignation of Alex Herman as Seabed Minerals Commissioner, marking the conclusion of an impactful chapter in SBMA’s history.
Read MoreYou can read all the latest news and updates on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector here.
We are committed to sustainably and responsibly developing our seabed minerals (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 minerals harvesting to occur must be science based.
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Te anoano nei matou i te akamatutu e te akatere meitaki i te tuanga Mīnera Takere Moana kia riro ei akapuapinga i to tatou iti tangata Kuki Airani. Ei ravenga akapirianga ki te akatereanga matakite, ko tetai uatu tukuʻangā tika i te au ra ki mua no runga i te akatikaanga me kare patoianga i te kokotianga mīnera, ka anoanoia te reira tukuʻangā tika kia tangoia ki runga i te tuanga taieni.
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The UMC marked its first-ever field trip to an active nodule field in the South Pacific. Many participants from around the world joined the crew aboard the research vessel Anuanua Moana. The field trip gave a unique opportunity to observe the actual scientific processes involved in deep-sea research, with a particular focus on the polymetallic nodules' environment.
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After four years of development and two rounds of public consultations, the Seabed Minerals (Minerals Harvesting and Other Mining) Regulations 2024 (MH Regulations) have now been passed.
The adoption of these regulations is a crucial step in establishing a comprehensive legal framework, providing all stakeholders with clarity and certainty regarding the Cook Islands' legal regime for seabed minerals governance, and are administered by the Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA).
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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.
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On behalf of the Cook Islands Prime Minister and Minister for Seabed Minerals, Honourable Mark Brown, the Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) is excited to be a sponsor of the 52nd Underwater Minerals Conference (UMC), the world’s leading event for ocean mineral stakeholders, with presentations taking place in Rarotonga next week 16 to 19 September 2024 at the National Auditorium.
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The International Seabed Authority “ISA at 30” programme has awarded a significant grant to a Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) led proposal, Women in Scientific Expedition (WISE). This award is a testament to the Cook Islands’ growing role in global ocean governance and its commitment to advancing deep-sea research and empowering women in science.
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Alex Herman and Dr. John Parianos confirmed the Cook Islands' participation in the Noumea platform, highlighting the Cook Islands' deep-sea policy and the achievements as well as challenges faced by the Seabed Minerals Authority in this area. The Secretary of State for the Sea has requested the IRD spearhead a collaborative scientific evaluation that concentrates on deep-sea knowledge and governance.
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