Feature Article | 60 Years of Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Sector: Then & Now Charting Our Journey from 1965 to 2025

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.

Stewardship & Science: Cook Islands’ Focus on ISA’s 30th Council Session

The 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.

Letter: Time for change

According to Prime Minister Brown, this isn’t about his failure to talk with Cook Islanders – it’s about New Zealand exerting control.

Letter to the editorDede Mingi4 March 2025Cook Islands, Prime Minister Mark Brown, Seabed Mining, Government Transparency, Public Consultation, Cook Islands Politics, New Zealand Relations, China-Cook Islands Agreements\, Public Accountability

Cook Islands seeking New Zealand expertise for Sovereign Wealth Fund

The Cook Islands government has taken further steps towards establishing a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), with officials currently in New Zealand holding discussions with financial experts, Prime Minister Mark Brown told Parliament this week.

Cook Islands eyes China investment in blue economy

Cook Islands and China have agreed to cooperate on blue economy investments, including new port wharves and deep sea minerals development, under a newly signed memorandum of understanding (MoU).

CI NEWSDede Mingi22 February 2025Cook Islands, China Relations, Blue Economy, Seabed Mining, Deep-Sea Minerals, Marine Conservation, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Sustainable D

Thomas Wynne: What does China want from Cook Islands?

There is a question that rests heavily on my heart – one that goes beyond politics and economics, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

CI NEWSDede Mingi15 February 2025Cook Islands, Seabed Mining, Manganese Nodule, Deep-Sea Mining, China Relations, Pacific Geopolitics, Trade Agreements, Resource Management, Sovereignty and Self-Determination, Economic Development, Foreign Investments, Trust and Governance, Cook Islands Politics, Cultural Values, Pacific Partnerships

SBMA to engage public on deep-sea exploration findings

Seabed Mining Authority (SBMA) says it will be reaching out to the community, especially older generations, to consult with them about their preliminary findings from the ongoing seabed minerals exploration.

Advancing Innovation: SBMA Expands Global Collaboration for Marine Research

The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) is participating in the State Visit to China from 10-14 February, alongside the Cook Islands Government Delegation. This visit focused on capacity building, research, and scientific collaborations.

Media ReleaseDede Mingi13 February 2025Cook Islands, SBMA, Blue Economy, Scientific Research, Marine Conservation, Seabed Mining, Environmental Sustainability, Ocean Exploration, International Collaboration, Transparency And Accountability, Marine Science, Global Partnerships, Governance, Deep Sea Research, Public Engagement, Resource Management

Cook Islands, China to sign comprehensive strategic partnership on Friday

The comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between the Cook Islands and China will be signed this Friday (Thursday, Cook Islands time).

This was confirmed by the Office of the Prime Minister after it released initial details of Cook Islands’ talks with China this week.

CI NEWSDede Mingi12 February 2025Cook Islands, Prime Minister Mark Brown, China Deal, Strategic Partnership, State Visit, Marine Research, Climate Resilience, Seabed Mining, Blue Economy, Sustainable Development, Aquaculture, Ocean Governance, Economic Cooperation, Pacific Islands

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