Seabed Minerals Amendment passed unanimously in Parliament

The Seabed Minerals Amendment Bill 2021 passed in Parliament on Tuesday 23 March receiving unanimous support from both Government and the Opposition. The purpose of the amendment was simple and straightforward: to make clear that only Cook Islands limited companies may apply for a seabed minerals licence or permit.

Press ReleaseAlex Herman27 March 2021Seabed Minerals AuthoritySeabed Minerals Authority, Seabed Minerals Authority Commissioner, Seabed Minister Mark Brown, Alex Herman, seabed minerals exploration, seabed legislation

Turning crisis into opportunity?

While Covid-19 appears to have given earth time to heal, some governments are reportedly using the pandemic to hurt conservation efforts across the globe.

CI NEWSDede Mingi11 January 2021Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority, Rarotonga, seabed minerals exploration, Deep sea research, Seabed Exploration, Manganese Nodule

Gerald McCormack: Deep sea dilemma: More scientific information required

There is nothing to lose by giving out a few exploratory licenses, and much to gain in terms of knowledge on whether or not to go forward to actual mining.

CI NEWSRima Browne22 September 2020Gerald McCormack, seabed minerals, seabed minerals exploration, cook islands seabed minerals

Lack of environmental safeguards highlighted in Cooks legislation

“The Pacific Network on Globalisation says claims environmental costs would stop seabed mining in the Cook Islands would be thwarted by a lack of safeguards in the country’s laws. PANG co-ordinator Maureen Penjueli says the Cooks’ Seabed Minerals Act dates back to 2009 when deep-sea mining was believed to be low risk, high return. She said in 2017 the risks to the environment were still little understood.”

InternationalDede Mingi17 November 2017Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority, Cook Islands, Rarotonga, seabed minerals exploration, Paul Lynch

News & Press Releases