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
SBMA Opinion: Two-year milestone for seabed minerals exploration licences

Last 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.

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After two years of exploring the ocean floor, Cook Islands gains 'new knowledge'

The Cook Islands has just finished its second year exploring its ocean to see if deep sea mining can happen. The exploration phase - which will continue for about another three years - gives three companies access to the nations waters to see if mining is a viable option.

As part of the process companies need to review the environmental risks associated with the task. If the companies can prove mining is viable the government will award them a mining license.

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Parliament approve improvements to the Seabed Minerals Act

Parliament 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.

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Seabed regulations: Public input ends, future updates planned

Cook Islands concludes public consultation for seabed mineral exploration guidelines, while the Prime Minister emphasises exploration’s potential for future prosperity and responsible resource extraction.

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Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Data Repository

SBMA has recently commissioned its Seabed Minerals Data Repository (CSD), which includes a public area (CSD Public). The CSD stores data collected through SBM activities. We are making all environmental data publicly available. You can access CSD Public on our website.

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Cook Islands to Host the Seminal Underwater Minerals Conference in 2024!

The 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!

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