Seabed Authority clears air on ‘box ticking’ consultation

The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) has dismissed claims that the lack of timely notices on critical matters, such as seabed mining, was a waste of taxpayers’ money by SBMA during their recent consultations in Aitutaki last month.

Economic potential of Cook Islands polymetallic nodules ‘overstated’, suggests study

A new study suggests the economic benefits of seabed mining in the Cook Islands have been exaggerated, countering government claims that the industry will generate millions in revenue.

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.

International, CI NEWSDede Mingi11 August 2025Cook Islands, Seabed Minerals, SBMA, Ocean Stewardship, Blue Economy, Sustainable Future, Pacific Islands, Environmental Approvals, Deep Sea Mining, Global Partnerships

Government accused of misleading public on seabed mining

Cook Islands Government is misleading the public into believing the country is undecided on whether to allow deep seabed mining, claims an advocate for ocean conservation and protection.

Seabed mining must be ‘commercially viable’ in order to proceed: PM Brown

Prime Minister Mark Brown has acknowledged economic concerns about seabed mining, emphasising that the government will only proceed with projects that are both commercially viable and environmentally sustainable.

Brown was responding to recent cautionary remarks from Australian economist Professor Christopher Flemming regarding the Cook Islands’ plans for seabed mining.

Deep ocean groundings

Journalist Rachel Reeves shares insights and revelations from this week’s Deep Sea Symposium hosted by the Cook Islands Centre For Research (Te Puna Vai Marama).

CI NEWSDede Mingi2 November 2024Deep Sea Syposium, Cook islands, Deep Sea Mining, Environmental Impact, Marine Science, Sustainable Development, Indigenous Knowledge, Polymetallic Nodules, Cultural Heritage, Climate Change, Economic Analysis, Marine Conservation, Scientific Research, Ocean Governance, Community Engagement, Sustainable Practices

Deep Sea symposium probes nodule mining

Around a hundred local and overseas speakers, ocean lovers, local authorities and government ministers turned up to yesterday’s Deep Sea symposium which provides Cook Islands with more knowledge of deep sea mining.

Dede Mingi1 November 2024Deep Sea Mining, Cook Islands, Environmental Impact, Marine Conservation, Polymetallic Nodules, Green Energy Transition, Sustainable Development, Seabed Exploration, Deep Sea Syposium, University of the South Pacific, Te Puna Vai Marama, Te Ipukarea Society, Ocean Research, Seabed m, Seabed Minerals, Climate Change Solutions, Tourism Economy, Future of Mining

Letter: NGOs: We’re the real Davids

Dear Editor, In response to the anonymous letter from “Get Real” (Cook Islands News, October 10), and the suggestion that the NGOs are the Goliath in this seabed mining scenario, this is frankly ridiculous.

Government sees seabed mining as economic game-changer

Cook Islands government has revealed that it sees greater economic potential in seabed mining, which has fuelled concerns from the Opposition.

The deep-sea mining for polymetallic nodules rich in cobalt, copper, nickel and manganese has the potential to transform the country’s earning to “much, much greater levels”, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.

CI NEWSDede Mingi10 October 2024Deep Sea Mining, Economic Potential, Polymetallic Nodules, Green Energy Transition, Cook Island Economy, Tourism Earning, Seabed Minerals, Government Vs Opposition, Environmental Concerns, Nauru Phosphate Mining

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