You can read all the latest news and updates on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector here.
The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) recently participated in the first of its kind Ministerial Talanoa on Deep Sea Minerals (DSM), convened by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva, Fiji, from 18 to 21 February 2025.
The Talanoa brought together Pacific Island Forum leaders, ministers and senior officials, and regional and international stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and challenges of DSM development and governance in the Pacific.
Read MoreThe Cook Islands has reached a significant milestone with the first-ever deployment of three deep-sea environmental monitoring mooring arrays north of Aitutaki (figure 1). Conducted under approved exploration licences, this initiative was a joint effort between Moana Minerals Limited (MML) and Cobalt Seabed Resources Limited (CSR).
Read MoreThe Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Blue Partnership in the Field of Seabed Minerals Affairs with the Ministry of Natural Resources of the People’s Republic of China, reinforcing a shared commitment to marine cooperation, sustainable resource management, and advancing deep-sea research.
Read MoreThe comprehensive deal the Cook Islands will sign with China in the coming week will not involve any borrowing, the Prime Minister confirmed this week.
Read MoreThe Office of the Public Service Commissioner (OPSC)in partnership with the New Zealand High Commission (NZHC), is pleased to announce that Messrs Te Ara Henderson Senior Policy & Legal Officer, Seabed Minerals Authority) and Mani Mate (Director, Development Coordination Division, MFEM were selected to participate in the Pacific Diplomatic Training Programme—a professional development initiative aimed at equipping emerging public servants with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate regional and international diplomacy.
Read MoreThe National Environment Service (NES) says it plays a crucial role in assessing and reviewing environmental matters associated with seabed mineral activities.
This includes the administration of applications for environmental consents and permits. In collaboration with the Seabed Mining Authority (SBMA), the NES ensures regulatory oversight and compliance with environmental management and reporting requirements set forth by license conditions and environmental consents or permits.
Read MoreThe Cook Islands Government, led by Prime Minister Honourable Mark Brown, recently completed a week-long series of consultations with Cook Islands communities across New Zealand. The delegation visited Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Tokoroa, sharing updates on the development of the Seabed Minerals (SBM) sector and fostering meaningful dialogue with the Cook Islands diaspora.
Read MoreThe Cook Islands Government, led by Prime Minister Honourable Mark Brown, is set to engage with Cook Islands communities across New Zealand from November 18 to 22 in a week-long Diaspora Consultation. These consultations, organised by the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA), the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Cook Islands New Zealand High Commission, with the aim to update the diaspora on important national developments, including progress in the seabed minerals sector and the Cook Islands’ upcoming 60th anniversary of self-governance in 2025.
Read MoreRepresentatives from the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) recently attended the AELERT – INECE 2024 Global Summit on Implementing and Enforcing Environmental Law in Brisbane, Australia, from November 6th - 8th. This summit convened leaders and experts from various regulatory fields to discuss advancements in law enforcement and compliance practices.
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