Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority
Runanga Takere Moana
man-reading-newspaper-6053.jpg

News & Press Releases

 
 

You can read all the latest news and updates on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector here.

 
Posts tagged Seabed Minerals Regulation
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.

Read More
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
Cook Islands strengthens regulatory capability at ISA Council in Kingston
Cook Islands strengthens regulatory capability at ISA Council in Kingston

The Seabed Minerals Authority’s Policy and Regulatory Oversight team represented the Cook Islands at the International Seabed Authority Council meetings in Kingston, Jamaica, from 13 to 24 July 2026. 

Policy and Regulatory Oversight Director Latishia Maui-Mataora and Policy and Legal Officer Lynn Mataora attended the second part of the 31st Session of the International Seabed Authority Council, where Member States continued discussions on the international rules and responsibilities for seabed minerals activities in the Area. 

Read More
Media ReleaseDede MingiSBMA, Seabed Minerals, Seabed Minerals Authority, Cook Islands, Rarotonga, International Seabed Authortity (ISA), ISA, ISA Council, 31st Session, Kingston Jamaica, Policy and Regulatory Oversight, Latishia Maui-Mataora, Lynn Mataora, Seabed Minerals Regulation, Draft Exploitation Regulations, The Area, UNCLOS, Sponsoring States, Responsibilities, Environmental Management, Environmental Monitoring, Compliance and Enforcement, Inspections, Regulatory Capability, Legal Capability, Policy Development, Ocean Governance, Deep-Sea Minerals, Science-Based Decision Making, Cook Islands Law, Exploration and Research Phase, Responsible Stewardship
Resignation of the Seabed Minerals Commissioner
Resignation of the Seabed Minerals Commissioner

The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) regretfully announces the resignation of Alex Herman as Seabed Minerals Commissioner, marking the conclusion of an impactful chapter in SBMA’s history.

Read More
Media ReleaseDede MingiAlex Herman Resignation, Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA), Cook Islands Leadership, Sustainable Development, Marae Moana Stewardship, Seabed Minerals Regulation, Environmental Sustainability, People Empowerment, Capacity Building, Marine Scientific Research, Pacific Community (SPC), Leadership Transition, Cook Islands Public Service, Prime Minister Mark Brown, Team Development, Global Collaboration, Responsible Resource Management, Regional Opportunities, Public Service Recruitment, SBMA Legacy, International Best Practices, Talent Mentorship, Regulatory Frameworks