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 Seabed Mining
Cook Islands declared ‘world leader’ in seabed sector
Cook Islands declared ‘world leader’ in seabed sector

Seabed mining is no longer a distant ambition for the Cook Islands, as at last week’s Pacific Agenda: Investment, Security and Shared Prosperity summit in Hawaii, it was pushed into the geopolitical spotlight with Cook Islands leaders declaring global leadership, clearing diplomatic roadblocks and indicating that movement, not moratorium, is the direction ahead.

The two-day summit was held behind closed doors with Pacific media, including Cook Islands News, present at the event.

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CI NEWSDede MingiCook Islands, Seabed Minerals, Seabed Mining, Pacific Agenda Summit, Hawaii, Pacific Islands, Prime Minister Mark Brown, Henry Puna, Beverly Ataera, Marae Moana, Ocean Governance, Science Led Approach, Environmental Research, Regulatory Frameworks, Exploration Licences, Critical Minerals, Regional Cooperation, Investment, Pacific Geopolitics
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
Feature Article | 60 Years of Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Sector: Then & Now Charting Our Journey from 1965 to 2025
Feature Article | 60 Years of Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Sector: Then & Now Charting Our Journey from 1965 to 2025

For six decades, the Cook Islands has been on a remarkable journey, exploring the vast blue frontier beneath its waters. From early discoveries in the 1960s to becoming a leader in seabed minerals governance, this story is one of vision, resilience, and responsible resource management.

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Feature ArticleDede MingiCook Islands, Seabed Minerals, SBMA, Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority, Rarotonga, 60 Years Of Progress, Seabed Exploration, Responsible Resource Management, Blue Economy, Polymetallic Nodules, Environmental Sustainability, Marine Science, Ethical Development, Seabed Mining, Seabed Minerals Governance, Scientific Research, Innovation, Community Engagement, Sustainable Development, Ecosystem Based Management, Pa Enua, Global Leadership, Technology Advancement, Cobalt Nickel Manganese, ARTEX 2023, WISE 2024, ARTEX 2025, Collaboration
Stewardship & Science: Cook Islands’ Focus on ISA’s 30th Council Session
Stewardship & Science: Cook Islands’ Focus on ISA’s 30th Council Session

The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) continues to champion a science-first, precautionary approach to seabed minerals, as its senior representatives join international delegates at the 30th Council Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), held in Kingston, Jamaica, from 17 to 28 March 2025. 

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Media ReleaseDede MingiSBMA, Cook Islands, Seabed Minerals Authority, Seabed Minerals, Rarotonga, Jamaica, Seabed Mining, Science First Approach, Precautionary Approach, Environmental Stewardship, Deep Sea Mining Regulations, International Seabed Authortity (ISA), ISA 30th Council Session, Underwater Cultural Heritage, Te Kuru Pou Toru, Pacific Ocean Governance, Sustainable Development, Marine Environment Protection, Global Conversations Local Values, Cultural Responsibility, Environmental Responsibility, Science Based Decisions, Inclusive Consultation, International Cooperation, Transparency And Accountability, Sovereignty And Science, Cook Islands Priorities, Ethical Science, Future Of The Oceans, Seabed Minerals Exploration, SBMA At ISA, Equitable Ocean Governance
Cook Islands seeking New Zealand expertise for Sovereign Wealth Fund
Cook Islands seeking New Zealand expertise for Sovereign Wealth Fund

The Cook Islands government has taken further steps towards establishing a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), with officials currently in New Zealand holding discussions with financial experts, Prime Minister Mark Brown told Parliament this week.

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CI NEWSDede MingiCook Islands, Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), Seabed Mining, Economic Development, Financial Management, Natural Resource Wealth, Mineral Revenues, Long-Term Investment, Goverment Policy, National Security, Cybersecurity, Cook Islands-New Zealand Relations, New Zealand Reserve Bank, Adrian Orr, Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM), Economic Resilience, Public Consultations, Infrastructure Investment, Resouce Management, Norway Sovereign Wealth Fund Model, Nauru and Australia Minerals Funds, Pacific Financial Strategies, Future Planning, Fiscal Responsibility, Community Engagement, Government Transparency
Thomas Wynne: What does China want from Cook Islands?
Thomas Wynne: What does China want from Cook Islands?

There is a question that rests heavily on my heart – one that goes beyond politics and economics, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

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CI NEWSDede MingiCook Islands, Seabed Mining, Manganese Nodule, Deep-Sea Mining, China Relations, Pacific Geopolitics, Trade Agreements, Resource Management, Sovereignty and Self-Determination, Economic Development, Foreign Investments, Trust and Governance, Cook Islands Politics, Cultural Values, Pacific Partnerships