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 tagged National Interest
SBMA clarifies regulatory process on proposed overseas corporate transaction
SBMA clarifies regulatory process on proposed overseas corporate transaction

The Seabed Minerals Authority recognises the public interest in recent comments about the proposed AOMC–Odyssey transaction and what it may mean for seabed minerals exploration in the Cook Islands.

The questions raised highlight why the Cook Islands has established a regulatory framework to oversee seabed minerals activities and protect the interests of Cook Islanders.

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Media ReleaseDede MingiSeabed Minerals Authority, SBMA, Cook Islands Seabed Minerals, Seabed Minerals Regulation, Cook Islands Law, Exploration Licences, Regulatory Process, Marae Moana, Cook Islands EEZ, Ocean Governance, Public Information, National Interest, Corporate Transaction, AOMC Odyssey Transaction, Seabed Minerals Exploration, Responsible Regulation, Public Scrutiny, Environmental Assessment, Public Consultations, Cook Islands Jurisdiction
SBMA strengthens dialogue with Tourism Council on seabed minerals
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.

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Media ReleaseDede MingiSBMA, 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
Economic potential of Cook Islands polymetallic nodules ‘overstated’, suggests study
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.

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CI NEWSDede MingiSeabed Minerals, Cook Islands, Seabed Mining, Deep Sea Mining, Polymetallic Nodules, Economic Viability, Independent Study, Environment Safeguards, Marine Science, Ocean Governance, Resource Management, National Interest, Regulatory Oversight, Responsible Stewardship, Marae Moana, Critical Minerals, Exploration Licences, Evidence Based Decision Making, Cook Island Economy, Ocean Policy
THE TRUTH ABOUT EXPLORATION LICENCES | From the Seabed Minerals Authority
THE TRUTH ABOUT EXPLORATION LICENCES | From the Seabed Minerals Authority

We’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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Media ReleaseDede MingiScience First, evidence based, decision making, Public Consultations, Governance, Regulations, Five Year Licences, Licence Renewal, Technical Feasibiliy, Financial Viability, Social Sustainability, Impact Assessment, Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VME), habitat mapping, Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCZ), Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Global Research, Technology Testing, Data Transparency, National Interest