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.

 
Posts in CI NEWS
Commercial extraction needs ‘extensive approvals’, clarifies Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority 
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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International, CI NEWSDede MingiCook Islands, Seabed Minerals, SBMA, Ocean Stewardship, Blue Economy, Sustainable Future, Pacific Islands, Environmental Approvals, Deep Sea Mining, Global Partnerships
Cook Islands deal has ‘nothing to do with military or security agenda’, says Chinese ambassador
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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CI NEWSDede MingiCook Islands China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, CSP 2025–2030 Cook Islands China, Cook Islands-China MoU, Cook Islands-China Blue Economy agreement, Cook Islands-China Seabed Minerals MoU, Cook Islands diplomatic relations China, Ambassador Wang Xiaolong, Prime Minister Mark Brown, Sonny Williams, Winston Peters, Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Cook Islands Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA), People’s Republic of China (PRC) Embassy, New Zealand Government, Blue Economy, Sustainable Development, CSP2025
US eyes deeper ties with Cook Islands, help businesses form ties
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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CI NEWSDede MingiUS Cook Islands relations, Us delegation Cook Islands visit, US Chargé d’Affaires David Gehrenbeck, Cook Islands 60th Anniversary, Strengthening US-Cook Islands ties, US-Cook Islands economic cooperation, Secretary Tepaeru Herrmann, Seabed minerals cooperation, Capacity building in the Pacific, Maritime cooperation Cook Islands US, Pacific Islands partnerships, Young Pacific Leaders programme, US Partnership, Cook Islands, Pacific Islands, Diplomacy, Blue Economy
US research vessel to aid Cook Islands’ seabed mineral exploration
US research vessel to aid Cook Islands’ seabed mineral exploration

The United States is partnering with the Cook Islands to provide scientific and technical support for the nation’s exploration of deep-sea mineral resources, a move that comes amid a fierce national debate and existing collaboration with China on the same issue.

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CI NEWSDede MingiUS research vessel Cook Islands, US-Cook Islands seabed minerals partnership, Nautilus NOAA Cook Islands, Deep-sea mineral exploration Cook Islands, Seabed mining debate Cook Islands, Cook Islands seabed exploration 2025, Prime Minister Mark Brown, David Gehrenbeck, David Copley, Joshua Kroon, Sonny Williams, US Embassy Wellington, NOAA, US Department of Commerce, US National Security Council, Cook Islands Government, Seabed minerals exploration, Deep-sea mining, Ocean governance, Environmental stewardship, Capacity building, Responsible development, Technical assistance, US Cook Islands relations, China Cook Islands seabed MoU, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ, 60 years self-governance Cook Islands
Thomas Wynne: Through the reef of 1965, to the ocean of 1974 and deep waters of 2025, ‘Let US begin’
Thomas Wynne: Through the reef of 1965, to the ocean of 1974 and deep waters of 2025, ‘Let US begin’

“And to you, the people of the Cook Islands, I say – let us begin.” – Albert Henry, Inaugural Address, 1965. These were the words of the Papa of our democracy, spoken in 1965 at his inaugural address. Words that still echo today, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

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CI NEWSDede MingiCook Islands 60th Anniversary, 60 Years of Self-Governance, Constitution Celebrations, National Identity, Self-determination, Sir Albert Henry, Thomas Taruronga Wynne, Papa of our democracy, Cook Islands Leadership, Nationhood, Democracy, Independence in spirit, Covenant with the people, Mana and integrity, Guardianship (Mana Tiaki), Sovereignty, Agency, Unity and reciprocity, Inaugural Address 1965, Third UN Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1974, Seabed Minerals, Ocean Governance, Marae Moana, Vaka Traditions, Maori to Maori Connections, Diaspora and return home, Let us begin, Building the future together, Strength in Unity, Prosperity for our children, Cook Islands, Rarotonga, Pacific Islands, New Zealand, Small Island States, Global Advocacy
Let’s lead with wisdom: Opposition calls for national pause on seabed mining
Let’s lead with wisdom: Opposition calls for national pause on seabed mining

Opposition leader Tina Browne is calling for a “national pause” on the Cook Islands’ deep sea mining ambitions, warning that the country is risking its oceanic heritage and identity by charging ahead with a decision that could have irreversible consequences.

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CI NEWSDede MingiTina Browne, Opposition Leader, National Pause Call, Seabed Mining Moratorium, Cook Islands Parliament, Te Moana Nui o Kiva, Pacific Ocean Protection, Deep Sea Mining Debate, Youth Representation, Ocean Heritage, Cultural Identity, Pacific Leaders in France, UN Ocean Confererence, Blue Economy Forum, Cook Islands Government, Mark Brown, Responsible Development, Inclusive Consultation, Environmental Governance, Community Dialogue, Traditional Knowledge, Ra'ui, Seabed Mining Opposition, Marine Protection Advocacy, Vaka Navigators Voices, Youth Engagement, Climate Leadership, Wisdom Before Ambition
Geospatial training empowers Cook Islands agencies in marine management planning
Geospatial training empowers Cook Islands agencies in marine management planning

The Cook Islands is increasing efforts to protect and sustainably manage its marine environment through its involvement in the Pacific Biodiversity and Sustainable Land‐Seascapes Programme (Pacific BioScapes), a regional initiative funded by the European Union and coordinated by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).

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CI NEWSDede MingiMarine Spatial Planning, Cook islands Ocean Governance, Geospatial Training, Pacific Bioscapes Programme, SPREP, IUCN Oceania, National Marine Spatial Plan, Sustainable Marine Management, Biodiversity Conservation, QGIS, ArcGIS, Seabed Minerals Authortiy (SBMA), National Environmental Services (NES), Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR), Ministry of Transport (MOT), Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI), GIS Training, Marine Data Mapping, Special and Unique Marine Areas (SUMAs), Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), Climate Resilience, Ridge-to-Reef Approach, Ocean Zone Typologies, Interagency Coordination, Environmental Policy Development, EU-Funded Initiative, Marine Conservation Cook Islands, Empowering Local Expertise
Seabed mining company to engage with Southern Pa Enua for first time
Seabed mining company to engage with Southern Pa Enua for first time

One of the three seabed mining companies exploring the Cook Islands seabed for deep sea nodules will be visiting the Southern Pa Enua for the first time next week as part of its expanded community engagement programme.

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CI NEWSDede MingiMoana Minerals, Southern Pa Enua Outreach, Seabed Mining Engagement, Hans Smit, Community Consultations, Mangaia Visit, Mitiaro Visit, Atiu Visit, Cook Islands Outer Islands, Exploration Transparency, Stakeholder Engagement, Island Councils, Traditional Leaders, Student Outreach, Seabed Minerals Exploration, Science Vessel Tour, Community Dialogue, Environmental Awareness, Local Participation, Future Opportunities, Open Community Events, Education and Awareness, Inclusive Consultation, Cook Islands Seabed Mining, Social Media Itinerary