Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority
Runanga Takere Moana
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News & Press Releases

 
 

You can read all the latest news and updates on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector here.

 
SBMA coordinates a seminar meeting of world experts on seabed minerals extraction plumes

The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) yesterday hosted a hybrid seminar at the University of the South Pacific, Rarotonga campus, bringing together eight international experts from the United States, Denmark, New Zealand, Australia, and China to discuss the latest advances in understanding seabed sediment plumes—clouds of particles that may be generated during seabed minerals extraction. Around 35 participants joined in person and online.

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Cook Islands’ Strategic Environmental Assessment Endorsed and Supported

The Seabed Minerals Authority and National Environment Service hosted a Regional Environmental Management Plan workshop that highlighted strong support for the nation’s science-based, precautionary approach to managing seabed minerals within Marae Moana.

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Cook Islands children’s book on deep sea nodules is about facts, says author

A children's book exploring the idea of deep sea nodules was paid for by a charity established and funded by a Cook Islands seabed mining company. By RNZ Pacific journalist, Caleb Fotheringham.

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Commercial extraction needs ‘extensive approvals’, clarifies Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority 

The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA), which governs seabed mineral activities under the Seabed Minerals Act 2019 (SBMA Act), emphasises that no commercial extraction can occur without extensive approvals.

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Cook Islands deal has ‘nothing to do with military or security agenda’, says Chinese ambassador

The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) 2025-2030 signed between the Cook Islands and China has ‘nothing to do with military or security agenda’, says the Chinese ambassador to New Zealand, Cook Islands and Niue.

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US eyes deeper ties with Cook Islands, help businesses form ties

The United States is looking to build stronger ties with the Cook Islands following a historic diplomatic visit this week by its Chargé d’Affaires, David Gehrenbeck, who met with Prime Minister Mark Brown during the nation’s 60th anniversary of self-governance.

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Cook Islands confronts critical questions on identity as debate on deep-sea mining grows 

As the Cook Islands approaches the end of its five-year seabed minerals exploration phase and the latest partnership with the superpowers United States and China, the question facing its people is no longer just about mining—but about identity, sovereignty, stewardship, and the ocean that binds them all.

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