SBMA strengthens dialogue with Tourism Council on seabed minerals

The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) has welcomed continued engagement with the Cook Islands tourism sector following two constructive sessions with the Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council on seabed minerals, economic value, environmental safeguards, and national decision-making.

The first session was held at the SBMA office on 2 June 2026, after the Tourism Council reached out to the Authority for a discussion on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector.

SBMA acknowledges the Tourism Council for initiating the conversation and for bringing forward questions from the tourism private sector on matters that are important to the Cook Islands economy, environment, and national interest.

Media ReleaseDede Mingi31 July 2026SBMA, Seabed Minerals Authority, Cook Islands Seabed Minerals, Cook Islands Tourism Council, Tourism Council, Tourism Sector Engagement, Tourism and Seabed Minerals, Private Sector Engagement, Public Consultations, Public Information, Stakeholder Engagement, Community Engagement, Te Ipukarea Society, TIS, Muri Beach Club, Exploration Phase, Exploration Not Harvesting, Commercial Minerals, Harvesting, Commercial Minerals Harvesting, Environmental Safeguards, National Environment Service, NES, Licence Holder Obligations, Legal and Regulatory Framework, Governance Safeguards, Transparency, Economic Value, Economic Assessments, Tourism Impacts, National Decision Making, Cook Islands Economy, Cook Islands Environment, National Interest, Marae Moana, Our Moana, Responsible Stewardship, Science Based Decision Making

WHAT ON EARTH UNDER SEA ARE POLYMETALIC NODULES

In the Cook Islands, we are embarking on an exciting journey to explore our Exclusive Economic Zone1, delving into the depths in search of polymetallic nodules (or simply nodules) and other scientific discoveries. Our mission involves gathering data from a vast area of the ocean, our Marae Moana, and over the next few years we will talk about some of the exciting science and technology that make this voyage possible.

SBMA Science ArticleDede Mingi4 May 2024Polymetallic Nodules, Cobalt and Nickel Value, Seabed Mining Economics, Critical Minerals Market, Deep-Sea Mining, Metal Demand and Supply, Cook Islands Economy, Sustainable Extraction, Seabed Minerals Authority

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