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

Cook Islands children’s book on deep sea nodules is about facts, says author

A children's book exploring the idea of deep sea nodules was paid for by a charity established and funded by a Cook Islands seabed mining company. By RNZ Pacific journalist, Caleb Fotheringham.

Cook Islands confronts critical questions on identity as debate on deep-sea mining grows

As the Cook Islands approaches the end of its five-year seabed minerals exploration phase and the latest partnership with the superpowers United States and China, the question facing its people is no longer just about mining—but about identity, sovereignty, stewardship, and the ocean that binds them all.

InternationalDede Mingi9 August 2025Cook Islands seabed mining debate, Deep-sea mining Cook Islands, Seabed minerals exploration Cook Islands, Cook Islands five-year exploration phase, Polymetallic nodules Cook Islands, Seabed Minerals Act Cook Islands, Mike Tavioni, Louisa Castledine, Hans Smit, June Hosking, Te Ipukarea Society, Ocean Ancestors collective, Moana Minerals, CIC Ocean Research, CIIC Seabed Resources, Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA), National Environment Service (NES)

Seabed mining consultations criticised as ‘one-sided sales pitch’

A Cook Islands environmental advocate has criticised the seabed mining consultation process being undertaken by the Cook Islands Government in Australia, describing it as one-sided and lacking meaningful engagement with local NGOs.

Government accused of misleading public on seabed mining

Cook Islands Government is misleading the public into believing the country is undecided on whether to allow deep seabed mining, claims an advocate for ocean conservation and protection.

Diaspora concerns addressed in NZ seabed mining talks, says PM

Cook Islands Government’s recent consultation tour in New Zealand was a significant success, effectively addressing numerous concerns held by the diaspora regarding seabed mining, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.

PM clarifies use of NGO logos in seabed mining consultation

Prime Minister Mark Brown has responded to concerns raised by two environmental groups, Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) and Korero o te Orau, regarding the government’s recent seabed mining consultation in New Zealand.

Roadshow not consultation

Non-government organisations are frustrated with the Cook Islands government seabed mineral consultations that are being held in New Zealand, calling for a 10-year moratorium to allow for independent research and capacity building within the Cook Islands.

CI NEWSDede Mingi22 November 2024Seabed Mining, Cook Islands Environment, 10-Year Moratorium, NGO Opposition, Korero o te Orau, Te Ipukarea Society, Deep Sea Mining Debate, Precautionary Approach, Sustainable Development, Greenwashing Concerns, Transparency In Government

Deep Sea symposium probes nodule mining

Around a hundred local and overseas speakers, ocean lovers, local authorities and government ministers turned up to yesterday’s Deep Sea symposium which provides Cook Islands with more knowledge of deep sea mining.

Dede Mingi1 November 2024Deep Sea Mining, Cook Islands, Environmental Impact, Marine Conservation, Polymetallic Nodules, Green Energy Transition, Sustainable Development, Seabed Exploration, Deep Sea Syposium, University of the South Pacific, Te Puna Vai Marama, Te Ipukarea Society, Ocean Research, Seabed m, Seabed Minerals, Climate Change Solutions, Tourism Economy, Future of Mining

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