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 Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) continues to champion a science-first, precautionary approach to seabed minerals, as its senior representatives join international delegates at the 30th Council Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), held in Kingston, Jamaica, from 17 to 28 March 2025.
Read MoreSenior policy and legal officer Te-Ara Henderson, a familiar face from the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA), has returned home after successfully completing the second phase of his diplomatic training alongside fellow aspiring Pacific diplomats. The training was held across Suva, Fiji, and Apia, Samoa, from 10 to 24 March 2025.
Read MoreThe Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA), in collaboration with other partners such as the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), University of California Santa Barbara, and Kiva Marine, recently went volcano hunting without a seabed mineral in sight. Keep reading if you want to find out why and how.
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 MoreThe marine minerals community from over 25 countries has gathered in Rarotonga, sharing ideas and knowledge on the future of seabed minerals as the 52nd Underwater Minerals Conference 2024 officially opened yesterday at the National Auditorium.
Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) Commissioner, Alex Herman, was amongst 18 experts from eight different countries who presented on various topics revolving around seabed minerals yesterday.
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.
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