SBMA Release: Key messages from Exploration Licence Granting ceremony
Following on from the previous Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) release on the recent SBM Exploration Licence Granting ceremony, below is a summary of themes raised by speakers:
L-R: CIICSR Director Mark Short, SBM Commissioner Alex Herman, Moana Minerals Director Des Eggelton, CIC Country Manager Shona Lynch, Prime Minister Mark Brown, CIICSR Director Michael Henry, Moana Minerals lawyer Brian Mason and CIICSR General Manager Eusenio Fatialofa
For the companies granted an exploration licence, the need to manage any potential environmental impacts featured prominently, with Des Eggelton of Moana Minerals stating “that the seabed and aquatic environment will be in the forefront and foremost in the minds of those managing Moana Minerals.”
The companies also addressed the need to involve the local community as exploration commences. Shona Lynch noted CIC’s desire to officially engage with local stakeholders and anyone interested in being involved and informed about the anticipated exploration work programme. Eggelton recognised the imperative of transparency as a tool for building trust, stating “we have an ambitious programme over the next 5 years and we plan to involve and bring on that journey as many Cook Islanders as we can”.
The companies also addressed the need to involve the local community as exploration commences. Shona Lynch noted CIC’s desire to officially engage with local stakeholders and anyone interested in being involved and informed about the anticipated exploration work programme. Eggelton recognised the imperative of transparency as a tool for building trust, stating “we have an ambitious programme over the next 5 years and we plan to involve and bring on that journey as many Cook Islanders as we can”.
Signing of Moana Minerals Exploration Licence
Henry shared that the development of the SBM sector opens up a myriad of opportunities for Cook Islanders to participate in all aspects of this new and exciting industry. Further to this, Lynch added that there would be employment opportunities for Cook Islanders to immediately join the CIC team for a variety of positions including administration, logistics and offshore operations both scientific and maritime.
L-R: Queen's Representative His Excellency Sir Tom Masters, Prime Minister Mark Brown, Country Manager of CIC Limited Mrs Shona Lynch, SBM Advisory Chair Bishop Tutai Pere, SBM Commissioner Alex Herman and SBM Licensing Panel Chair Garth Henderson
Beyond the benefits to those directly engaged in the sector, SBM Advisory Committee Chair Bishop Tutai Pere reminded everyone of the need to work together to achieve the broader long term goals, and invited SBM specialists and experts in all fields to please come on board. “Let us work together for a better, brighter and prosperous future for our children, their children and all generations who shall come after us” he said.
Speakers also reflected on the rigorous decision making process for assessing the exploration licence applications. Garth Henderson, Chair of the SBM Licensing Panel which assessed the applications spoke about the extensive amount of material they processed stating that “in all the work I’ve done on public procurement or panels like this, this is the most comprehensive information I’ve received”.
The licence holders also expressed similar sentiments regarding the licensing process, commenting on the thorough and sometimes grueling scrutiny applicants have gone through.
SBMA Commissioner Alex Herman explained that the thorough process was needed to ensure that “those granted an exploration licence have the expertise, capability, finances, and technical resources to properly and lawfully undertake exploration in our waters. And, most importantly to ensure that they are people we want to partner with, that share our vision, and want to work with us to achieve it”.
The granting of exploration licences marks a significant step towards the development of the SBM sector. “While there is still a long journey ahead of us, we can rightly be proud of what we have achieved so far” said Herman.
Back L-R: Athina Karika (Intern), Tuira Henderson-Enoka (Intern), Inano Harmon (Intern)
Front L-R: Seth Solomona (Intern), Kaitini Herman (Executive Assistant), Derek Johnson (Licensing & Compliance Director), Eileen Macquarie (Corporate Services Director), Prime Minister & Minister for Seabed Minerals Mark Brown, Alex Herman (Commissioner), Rima Browne (Senior Technical Officer), John Parianos (Technical Director), Dede Mingi (Communications Officer)
Away: Te-Ara Henderson (Licensing & Compliance Officer)
Relevant Links
Speeches:
Speech videos:
With exploration being the key to gaining a better understanding the Cook Island’s deep sea environment and the potential impacts from minerals harvesting, the next and final media release will explain what exploration activities will cover.
Seabed Minerals Authority