Environmentalists slam ‘premature’ seabed minerals harvesting regulations

Cook Islands has enacted seabed minerals harvesting regulations despite concerns about the lack of ‘meaningful consultation’ and the premature nature of the legislation, given that the exploration phase is still ongoing.

Dede Mingi7 October 2024

Thomas Wynne: Addressing concerns and protecting our interests

To address potential concerns and further strengthen the protection of the Cook Islands’ interests, I have emailed the Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) the following additions or amendments to the draft seabed mining regulations.

Letter to the editorDede Mingi5 October 2024Seabed Mining, Cook Islands, Environmental Protection, Cumulative Impact Assessments, Precautionary Principle, Biodversity Offsets, Environmental Oversight, Real Time Monitoring, Community Consultations, Indigenous Consultation, Benefit Sharing

Cook Islands passes historic first law for minerals harvesting management

After four years of development and two rounds of public consultations, the Seabed Minerals (Minerals Harvesting and Other Mining) Regulations 2024 (MH Regulations) have now been passed.

The adoption of these regulations is a crucial step in establishing a comprehensive legal framework, providing all stakeholders with clarity and certainty regarding the Cook Islands' legal regime for seabed minerals governance, and are administered by the Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA).

Media ReleaseDede Mingi4 October 2024Cook Islands, Seabed Minerals, SBMA, Sustainable Development, Minerals Management, Marine Government, Environmental Regulations, Policy Development, Seabed Mining, Minerals Harvesting, International Best Practice, Legal Framework, Resource Management

Letter: A call for political reform

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.

Letter to the editorDede Mingi2 October 2024Seabed Mining, Political Reform, Cook Islands, Local Governance, Pa Enua, Representation, Community Consultations, Peer Pressure Tactics, Land Ownership, Electoral Reform, Integrity In Politics

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

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