Cook Islands participates in International Critical Minerals Summit

Prime Minister Mark Brown participated in a Summit to discuss the future of critical minerals, joining other Ministers, industry leaders, heads of international organisations and civil society from around the world.

Cook Islands to Host the Seminal Underwater Minerals Conference in 2024!

The 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!

SBMA Release: Cook Islands participates in international seabed meetings

The Cook Islands recently participated in the 28th session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Jamaica, which included meetings of the Council and Assembly. The ISA is the body responsible for seabed minerals (SBM) activities in international waters, while the Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) is responsible for managing SBM activities in Cook Islands waters.

Rima Browne receives international award for Deep-Sea Research Excellence

Senior Knowledge Management Officer Rima Browne is this year’s recipient of the ISA Secretary General’s award for excellence in deep-sea research, after her new geomorphological map of the Cook Islands was nominated for consideration by researchers from the Pacific Community and Norway.

SBMA and NES Inspectors ensure Compliance onboard MV Anuanua Moana

Last month was a major step forward for the Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) and the National Environment Service’s (NES) collaboration on monitoring and enforcement activities, which took place onboard MV Anuanua Moana.

Dede Mingi6 July 2023

Cook Islands seabed habitat management zones developed

SBMA have developed level 1 habitat management zones for the Cook Islands seabed based on geomorphology and how much food makes it to the seabed.

Rima Browne24 May 2023

Seabed Mineral Resource Estimate completed for the Cook Islands

SBMA are excited to provide a summary on its recently published, Mineral Resource Estimate for polymetallic nodules in the Cook Islands.

Rima Browne10 May 2023

SBMA onboard Anuanua Moana research vessel for Moana Mineral’s first expedition

SBMA Inspector, Rima Browne went onboard the Anuanua Moana for Moana Minerals first exploration expedition to undertake seabed mapping of their licence area.

Rima Browne26 April 2023

Cook Islands participates in international seabed negotiations

SBMA staff were recently in Jamaica to participate in the 28th Session of the ISA Council meetings. The purpose of the meetings was to continue negotiations on the draft rules for seabed minerals exploitation in the CCZ.

Rima Browne19 April 2023

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