You can read all the latest news and updates on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector here.
SMARTEX (Seabed Mining and Resilience to Experiment Impact) aims to provide the critical scientific understanding and evidence-base to reduce risks of deep-sea mining of polymetallic nodules in the central Northeast Pacific Ocean. The project aims to better understand the ecosystem in the Pacific abyss and how the different components interact and interconnects.
Read MoreLast month marked two years since the country’s first seabed minerals exploration licences were issued on 23 February 2022. A major milestone and achievement for the Cook Islands after many years of preparation.
Read MoreThe Cook Islands has just finished its second year exploring its ocean to see if deep sea mining can happen. The exploration phase - which will continue for about another three years - gives three companies access to the nations waters to see if mining is a viable option.
As part of the process companies need to review the environmental risks associated with the task. If the companies can prove mining is viable the government will award them a mining license.
Read MoreCook Islands explores deep sea mining for valuable metals, exploring nodules kilometres below the surface. Government takes sustainable steps, but too early to confirm.
Read MoreParliament unanimously approved the Seabed Minerals Amendment Bill 2024 yesterday.
The purpose of the amendments were to improve the overall seabed minerals regime. This included making the intent of some sections clearer, as well as changes to enable the Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) to fulfil its functions more effectively.
Read MoreThe Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) manages a Research Permit for small environmental programs in the Cook Islands waters, granted by the National Research Council (rpSEP).
Read MoreCook Islands concludes public consultation for seabed mineral exploration guidelines, while the Prime Minister emphasises exploration’s potential for future prosperity and responsible resource extraction.
Read MoreSBMA has recently commissioned its Seabed Minerals Data Repository (CSD), which includes a public area (CSD Public). The CSD stores data collected through SBM activities. We are making all environmental data publicly available. You can access CSD Public on our website.
Read MoreTwo remotely operated vehicle (ROV) dives and four boxcore deployments later, the Artex 2023 team disembarked in Aitutaki after completing a research expedition of the deep ocean plains shared with Rarotonga.
