You 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.
Read MoreTe 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
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 MoreOver 100 stakeholders and marine minerals experts from all across the globe have gathered for the International Underwater Minerals Conference (UMC) 2024 in Rarotonga this week.
The four-day conference, which began in 1970, will be held from Monday to Thursday this week at the National Auditorium, gathering marine minerals experts from over 25 countries.
UMC is the world’s largest gathering of ocean mineral stakeholders, including government, academic, and commercial sector professionals.
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 Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) is pleased to announce a short deep sea research expedition between Rarotonga and Aitutaki. ARTEX 2023 (Aitutaki Rarotonga Transect Expedition) is a 2 day expedition run by SBMA. It is a pilot for locally led and managed marine science research, setting new ground in terms of low-cost collaborative and independent research.
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