Last month marked two years since the country’s first seabed minerals exploration licences were issued on 23 February 2022. A major milestone and achievement for the Cook Islands after many years of preparation.
Read MoreYou can read all the latest news and updates on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector here.
Parliament unanimously approved the Seabed Minerals Amendment Bill 2024 yesterday.
The purpose of the amendments were to improve the overall seabed minerals regime. This included making the intent of some sections clearer, as well as changes to enable the Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) to fulfil its functions more effectively.
Read MoreThe Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) manages a Research Permit for small environmental programs in the Cook Islands waters, granted by the National Research Council (rpSEP).
Read MoreCook Islands concludes public consultation for seabed mineral exploration guidelines, while the Prime Minister emphasises exploration’s potential for future prosperity and responsible resource extraction.
Read MoreSBMA has recently commissioned its Seabed Minerals Data Repository (CSD), which includes a public area (CSD Public). The CSD stores data collected through SBM activities. We are making all environmental data publicly available. You can access CSD Public on our website.
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.
Read MoreThe Underwater Minerals Conference (UMC) 2023 in Rotterdam, Netherlands, witnessed an unexpected development. The Cook Islands will host the 52nd edition of this prestigious gathering, which has been the foundation of the marine minerals’ community since 1970!
Read MoreThe Seabed Minerals Authority (Authority) has completed its assessment of the companies that applied for exploration licenses, and is pleased to announce that the following applicants have met the relevant criteria in the Seabed Minerals Act 2019: CIC Limited (CIC), CIIC Seabed Resources Limited (CIICSR), Moana Minerals Limited (Moana Minerals).
Read MoreThe non-inclusion of local non-government environmental and social expertise in the recently announced Seabed Minerals Licensing Panel ‘is an obvious gap’, says a local environment group.
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