You can read all the latest news and updates on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector here.
Public discussion on seabed minerals has raised questions about transparency, representation, science, and decision-making. Here is where the Cook Islands currently stands, what the law requires, and why the country remains in an exploration-only phase. Those questions are fair. People should expect answers that are clear, straight, and respectful.
Read MoreThe Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) continues to strengthen its science-based approach through international collaboration, with Knowledge Management Director Dr John Parianos recently attending a series of engagements in Washington, DC.
Read MoreThe Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) was represented at the Seabed Minerals 2026 conference in Bergen, Norway, in late March, with Tanga Morris presenting online on recent Cook Islands work relating to environmental management. The conference was held from 24 to 26 March 2026 and brought together researchers, regulators, industry representatives, and other stakeholders from around the world to discuss developments in the seabed minerals sector.
Read MoreThe Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) recently took part in the 31st Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Council in Kingston, Jamaica, from 9 to 20 March 2026. The session brought together Member States and observers to continue negotiations on the draft exploitation regulations for mineral resources in the Area.
Read MoreThe Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) recently completed korero outreach to the Northern Group, revisiting the islands of Tongareva, Manihiki, Rakahanga and Pukapuka as part of its ongoing commitment to community dialogue, public awareness, and relationship-building across the Cook Islands.
Read MoreThe Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) Seabed Minerals (SBM) Advisory Committee members were formally appointed on Tuesday, 17 February, at the Cabinet Room, Office of the Prime Minister, in a decorum that marked an important milestone in strengthening community representation within the seabed minerals sector.
Read MoreThe Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) recently held community consultations in Aitutaki to provide updates on developments in the seabed minerals sector and to hear directly from our local communities. These consultations form part of SBMA’s ongoing commitment to transparent, community-led engagement as the Cook Islands remains in an exploration-only phase.
Read MoreThe Government of the Cook Islands and the Government of the United States have agreed a non-binding Framework for Engagement and Cooperation to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals and rare earths, including cooperation relating to deep-sea minerals.
Read MoreWe’d like to explain what a deep-sea minerals exploration licence actually means for the Cook Islands — and equally important, what it does not mean. Some people worry that, by granting exploration licences, we have already agreed to mining.
We have not. Exploration does not give anyone permission to begin minerals harvesting.
This overview sets out the facts, the process, and the safeguards in place so our country can understand what is really happening in our waters today.
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