You can read all the latest news and updates on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector here.
SMARTEX (Seabed Mining and Resilience to Experiment Impact) aims to provide the critical scientific understanding and evidence-base to reduce risks of deep-sea mining of polymetallic nodules in the central Northeast Pacific Ocean. The project aims to better understand the ecosystem in the Pacific abyss and how the different components interact and interconnects.
Read MoreLast month marked two years since the country’s first seabed minerals exploration licences were issued on 23 February 2022. A major milestone and achievement for the Cook Islands after many years of preparation.
Read MoreParliament unanimously approved the Seabed Minerals Amendment Bill 2024 yesterday.
The purpose of the amendments were to improve the overall seabed minerals regime. This included making the intent of some sections clearer, as well as changes to enable the Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) to fulfil its functions more effectively.
Read MoreThe 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting hosted by the Cook Islands concluded last week. Milestones included the endorsements of the 2050 Strategy Implementation Plan, the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) and the Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility.
Read MorePrime Minister Mark Brown participated in a Summit to discuss the future of critical minerals, joining other Ministers, industry leaders, heads of international organisations and civil society from around the world.
Read MoreThe Underwater Minerals Conference (UMC) 2023 in Rotterdam, Netherlands, witnessed an unexpected development. The Cook Islands will host the 52nd edition of this prestigious gathering, which has been the foundation of the marine minerals’ community since 1970!
Read MoreThe Cook Islands recently participated in the 28th session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Jamaica, which included meetings of the Council and Assembly. The ISA is the body responsible for seabed minerals (SBM) activities in international waters, while the Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) is responsible for managing SBM activities in Cook Islands waters.
Read MoreSenior Knowledge Management Officer Rima Browne is this year’s recipient of the ISA Secretary General’s award for excellence in deep-sea research, after her new geomorphological map of the Cook Islands was nominated for consideration by researchers from the Pacific Community and Norway.
Read MoreTo mark the arrival of their research vessel, Anuanua Moana, license holder Moana Minerals hosted a blessing and naming ceremony at Avatiu harbour yesterday.
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