SBMA strengthens regulatory capability through South Australia exchange

The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) hosted two officers from South Australia’s Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) in September as part of a regulator to regulator exchange focused on compliance, monitoring, enforcement procedures and regulatory systems.

The placement builds on an earlier exchange supported through the Australasian Environmental Law Enforcement and Regulators Network (AELERT), which saw former SBMA Senior Policy and Legal Officer Te-Ara Henderson undertake a secondment with DEM in South Australia from May to July 2025.

The latest exchange brought that cooperation to Rarotonga, allowing DEM officers to work directly alongside SBMA staff on practical areas of regulatory oversight.

Dede Mingi1 October 2026Seabed Minerals Authority, SBMA, South Australia Department of Energy and Mining, DEM, Simon Matthews, Daniel Radulovic, Latishia Maui-Mataora, Beverly Ataera, Regulatory Capability, Compliance Monitoring, Regulatory Oversight, Enforcement Procedures, Exploration Regulation, Licence Compliance, Exploration Licence Renewal, Regulatory Systems, Monitoring and Reporting, Compliance Framework, Policy and Regulatory Oversight, Regulator to Regulator Exchange, South Australia Exchange, AELERT, Australiasian Environmental Law Enforcement and Regulators Network, Institutional Capacity, Knowledge Exchange, Professional Development, Regulatory Cooperation, Cook Islands, Seabed Minerals, Exploration and Research Phase, Seabed Minerals Governance, National Regulatory Framework, Cook Islands Law, Responsible Ocean Governance, National Interest

Kiribati delegation visits Cook Islands for seabed minerals governance study tour

The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) welcomed the Honourable Ribanataake Tiwau, Minister for Fisheries and Ocean Resources of the Republic of Kiribati, and his delegation to the Cook Islands for a study tour focused on seabed minerals governance, regulation, institutional development and knowledge exchange.

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.

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

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.

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.

News & Press Releases