You can read all the latest news and updates on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector here.
For six decades, the Cook Islands has been on a remarkable journey, exploring the vast blue frontier beneath its waters. From early discoveries in the 1960s to becoming a leader in seabed minerals governance, this story is one of vision, resilience, and responsible resource management.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreThe Cook Islands has just finished its second year exploring its ocean to see if deep sea mining can happen. The exploration phase - which will continue for about another three years - gives three companies access to the nations waters to see if mining is a viable option.
As part of the process companies need to review the environmental risks associated with the task. If the companies can prove mining is viable the government will award them a mining license.
Read MoreCook Islands explores deep sea mining for valuable metals, exploring nodules kilometres below the surface. Government takes sustainable steps, but too early to confirm.
Read MoreTwo remotely operated vehicle (ROV) dives and four boxcore deployments later, the Artex 2023 team disembarked in Aitutaki after completing a research expedition of the deep ocean plains shared with Rarotonga.
The Cook Islands recently participated in the 28th session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Jamaica, which included meetings of the Council and Assembly. The ISA is the body responsible for seabed minerals (SBM) activities in international waters, while the Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) is responsible for managing SBM activities in Cook Islands waters.
Read MoreDear Editor, very lately and surprisingly our news media has been bombarded with a stronger and incorporate voice calling for a moratorium against any seabed mining.
Read MoreAs the New Zealand government moves towards a moratorium on deep sea mining in international waters, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown claims both governments are actually after the same thing. Matthew Littlewood and Caleb Fotheringham report.
Read MoreThe Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (Authority) notes the recent statements made by the New Zealand Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Nanaia Mahuta, regarding the call for a ‘conditional moratorium on deep sea mining in areas beyond national jurisdiction, until strong environmental rules can be agreed and backed up by robust science’.
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