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.
Read MoreNews & Press Releases
You can read all the latest news and updates on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector here.
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.
Read MoreCook 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.
Read MoreI 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.
Read MoreAn 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”.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MorePRIME Minister Mark Brown said: “This will help provide Government with the vital data and information it needs about our deep sea marine environment and the potential impacts of mining to make an informed decision about whether to proceed any further.
Read More"Keeping our position fluid certainly does not translate to a full-blown agreement with how the government is proceeding with its seabed mining exploration and potential mining," writes Democratic Party Opposition Leader Tina Pupuke Browne.
Read MoreA closer look at the potential impact of nodule mining on the megafauna associated with nodules in the Cook Islands EEZ from Penrhyn southward to Aitutaki and Palmerston. By Gerald McCormack, Director of the Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust.
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