Letter: Deep sea riches

In response to the letter by “Eyes on Judas,” I noticed a lot of anger in the biblical themes used to express the danger of SBM (Seabed Mining). I would like to offer a different biblical perspective.

Dede Mingi10 October 2024Seabed Mining, David and Goliath, Biblical Perspective, Small Stones, National Success, Green Peace, International NGOs, Sovereignty

Thomas Wynne: Addressing concerns and protecting our interests

To address potential concerns and further strengthen the protection of the Cook Islands’ interests, I have emailed the Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) the following additions or amendments to the draft seabed mining regulations.

Letter to the editorDede Mingi5 October 2024Seabed Mining, Cook Islands, Environmental Protection, Cumulative Impact Assessments, Precautionary Principle, Biodversity Offsets, Environmental Oversight, Real Time Monitoring, Community Consultations, Indigenous Consultation, Benefit Sharing

Cook Islands passes historic first law for minerals harvesting management

After four years of development and two rounds of public consultations, the Seabed Minerals (Minerals Harvesting and Other Mining) Regulations 2024 (MH Regulations) have now been passed.

The adoption of these regulations is a crucial step in establishing a comprehensive legal framework, providing all stakeholders with clarity and certainty regarding the Cook Islands' legal regime for seabed minerals governance, and are administered by the Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA).

Media ReleaseDede Mingi4 October 2024Cook Islands, Seabed Minerals, SBMA, Sustainable Development, Minerals Management, Marine Government, Environmental Regulations, Policy Development, Seabed Mining, Minerals Harvesting, International Best Practice, Legal Framework, Resource Management

Letter: A call for political reform

Dear Editor, In an interview gathering exercise for a BBC podcast on seabed mining (SBM) over a week ago, I mentioned that we have disproportionate representation i.e. my one vote is worth about 10 Raro votes. You can see why government makes sure to buddy buddy with the pa enua.

Letter to the editorDede Mingi2 October 2024Seabed Mining, Political Reform, Cook Islands, Local Governance, Pa Enua, Representation, Community Consultations, Peer Pressure Tactics, Land Ownership, Electoral Reform, Integrity In Politics

Licensee anticipates delay in seabed exploration research

Delays in the seabed minerals exploration and research are expected due to opposition and the efficiency of the regulatory system, says one of the three deep sea mining companies exploring the Cook Islands seabed.

CI NEWSDede Mingi2 October 2024Seabed Mining, Deep Sea Exploration, Polymetallic Nodules, Cook Islands, Moana Minerals, Environmental Impact, Cobalt Mining, Marine Research, Regulatory Frameworks, Sustainable Development, Seabed Resources, Exploration Licences, Marine Conservation, Deep Sea Technology, Ocean Governance

Cook Islands ‘deepens seabed mining knowledge’ from UMC

Cook 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.

CI NEWSDede Mingi18 September 2024Seabed Mining, Underwater Minerals Conference, UMC 2024, Cook Islands, Rarotonga, Polymetallic Nodules, Marine Research, Seabed Exploration, Deep Sea Resources

Letter: Nodules: ‘Our underwater Amazon’

I thank Ms Alex (Herman) for her reply to my previous letter regarding DSM (Deep Sea Mining) or SBM (Sea Bed Mining) which is what some are hoping to do in our EEZ.

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”.

Letter to the Editor: Govt denies muzzling workers, despite environmentalist claims

The Public Service Commissioner denies any government protocol restricting public servants from speaking publicly against seabed mining, after claims made by an environmental campaigner.

June Hosking, president of the environment group Te Ipukarea Society, claims that government workers, including those in leadership roles, are being restricted from speaking publicly against seabed mining.

CI NEWSDede Mingi3 September 2024Cook Islands, Rarotonga, Seabed Mining, Ocean Protection, Freedom of Speech, Environmental Rights, Public Service, Protect Our Oceans, TIS, Peaceful Protest, Rarotonga Event, Save our Seas, Environmental Activism, Ocean Lovers, Public Servants, Speak up for the Ocean

News & Press Releases

The Public Service Commissioner denies any government protocol restricting public servants from speaking publicly against seabed mining, after claims made by an environmental campaigner.