A foreign company has proposed to bring in a robot to harvest the seabed, write Tailia Mika.

Dear Editor, In response to the anonymous letter from “Get Real” (Cook Islands News, October 10), and the suggestion that the NGOs are the Goliath in this seabed mining scenario, this is frankly ridiculous.

Government sees seabed mining as economic game-changer

Cook Islands government has revealed that it sees greater economic potential in seabed mining, which has fuelled concerns from the Opposition.

The deep-sea mining for polymetallic nodules rich in cobalt, copper, nickel and manganese has the potential to transform the country’s earning to “much, much greater levels”, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.

CI NEWSDede Mingi10 October 2024Deep Sea Mining, Economic Potential, Polymetallic Nodules, Green Energy Transition, Cook Island Economy, Tourism Earning, Seabed Minerals, Government Vs Opposition, Environmental Concerns, Nauru Phosphate Mining

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

Thomas Tarurongo Wynne: The deeper debate on deep-sea mining

Some say there is not enough evidence or data so stop, and some say well, it is from God so we must proceed, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

CI NEWSDede Mingi28 September 2024Deep Sea Mining, Environmental Stewardship, Sustainable Development, Pacific Nations, Climate Change, Energy Transition, Scientific Data, Economic Equity, Trust In Leadership, Ocean Conservation, Precautionary Approach

Underwater Minerals Conference 2024: A Historic First in the Cook Islands

The Cook Islands recently hosted the 52nd Underwater Minerals Conference (UMC) from 15 to 21 September 2024, marking the first time this prestigious event took place in a small island state. Organised by the International Marine Minerals Society (IMMS) in partnership with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority, the conference was held at the Cook Islands National Auditorium, attracting experts, researchers, and industry leaders from around the world.

CI NEWSDede Mingi27 September 2024UMC 2024, Underwater Minerals Conference, Cook Islands First, Going Deep, Science For Informed Decisions, Seabed Minerals, Global Conversation, Sustainable Development, SBM Research, Environmental Focus, Ocean Conservation, Marine Science

Poll: Cook Islanders oppose deep sea mining

A recent online opinion poll conducted in the Cook Islands revealed that 66 per cent of residents oppose deep sea mining, while 49 per cent disapprove of exploration.

The government regulator overseeing seabed minerals activities in the Cook Islands rejected the poll result saying that the methodology was flawed and “did not fully capture the breadth of the public’s views on this complex issue”.

CI NEWSDede Mingi21 September 2024Seabed Mining Debate, Protect Our Oceans, Cook Islands Voices, Cultural Significance, Save Our Seas, Environmental Sustainability, Marine Conservation

Cook Islands may extend deep sea mining exploration

Cook 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.

CI NEWSDede Mingi20 September 2024Deep Sea Research, Future Generations, Rarotonga, Cook Islands

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

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