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.

Media ReleaseDede Mingi2 November 2024Seabed Minerals, Cook Islands, Sustainable Development, Ocean Conservation, Marine Protection, Environmental Stewardship, Clean Energy, Marae Moana, Responsible Mining, Exploration, Deep Sea Research, Future Generations, Economic Diversification, Science Based, Community Engagement, Knowledge Advancement, SBM

Thomas Tarurongo Wynne: The deeper debate on deep-sea mining

Some 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.

CI NEWSDede Mingi28 September 2024Deep Sea Mining, Environmental Stewardship, Sustainable Development, Pacific Nations, Climate Change, Energy Transition, Scientific Data, Economic Equity, Trust In Leadership, Ocean Conservation, Precautionary Approach

Underwater Minerals Conference 2024: A Historic First in the Cook Islands

The 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.

CI NEWSDede Mingi27 September 2024UMC 2024, Underwater Minerals Conference, Cook Islands First, Going Deep, Science For Informed Decisions, Seabed Minerals, Global Conversation, Sustainable Development, SBM Research, Environmental Focus, Ocean Conservation, Marine Science

Letter: SBMA ‘losing control’

I would like to speak as an environmentally concerned Cook Islander, hearing concerns raised by Dr Teina Rongo on Temu Okotai’s radio show yesterday morning (Monday).

I felt that our local Seabed Mining Authority is losing control of the situation.

They emphasised the unknown and confirmed life in the deep ocean, but I got the impression that they await more and more advantage findings.

Letter to the editorDede Mingi18 September 2024Protect Our Oceans, Seabed Mining Concerns, Cook Islands Voices, Environmental Stewardship, Ocean Conservation, Local Scientist First, Sustainable Oceans, Deep Sea Protection, Scientific Intergrity

Letter: Deep sea mining consultation

Dear Editor, I recall a public consultation in Mauke. There were two motions for consideration.

The first motion YES for the completion of the ten years Precautionary Research still ongoing and NO to any actual DSM (deep sea mining) activities to begin.

The second motion was NO to the ongoing ten years Precautionary Research and YES to the actual DSM activities to start up asap (as soon as possible).

A few people spoke against DSM at that public consultation, but then it was concluded, by the Government officials that afternoon, that the majority agreed to the YES motion. The public meeting was over and the dinner provided was excellent, I must say.

Letter to the editorDede Mingi11 September 2024Deep Sea Mining, Cook islands, Dark Oxygen, Ocean Conservation, Seabed Minerals

Garment printing campaign raises awareness against deep-sea mining

The upcoming “Sail Out Rally”, calling for a precautionary pause on deep sea mining, is gaining momentum with a “printing for the protection of our ocean” campaign at the Punanga Nui Market.

Cook Islands deep sea mining poll sparks controversy

An online opinion poll on deep sea mining has been criticised by the government regulator responsible for overseeing seabed minerals activities in the Cook Islands as “fundamentally flawed”.

PM Brown urges Pacific unity on deep-sea mining

Cook Islands Prime Minister and former chair of the Forum, Mark Brown is urging Pacific Island leaders to come together on a collective stance on deep-sea mining, ahead of a key talanoa session set for next month.

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