You can read all the latest news and updates on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector here.
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.
Read MoreThe Democratic Party leader Tina Browne says committing to an arbitrary 10-year moratorium on commercial seabed mining is ill-advised.
Read MoreThe recent statements by the Government and Opposition on seabed minerals (SBM) development, and the NGO reactions it garnered is a watershed moment.
Read MorePrime Minister Brown said “Government have always maintained the need to make decisions based on science rather than arbitrary timelines, so I am pleased to see that the Opposition are now taking the same view.”
Read MoreFollowing a recent public consultation in the northern group and an internal policy review, the Opposition Democratic Party has come out against a ten-year moratorium on seabed mining.
Read MorePrior to last month’s consultations in Pukapuka, Palmerston and Nassau, the Seabed Minerals Authority put together a donation of books, stationery and activity sets for the schools of each island.
Read MorePrime Minister Mark Brown’s delegation was on Rakahanga yesterday for the final round of consultation in the northern group islands.
Read MorePrime Minister Mark Brown is touring northern group islands of Manihiki and Rakahanga, running a series of consultations there.
This follows from a successful trip to Palmerston, Suwarrow, Pukapuka and Nassau early last month.
Read MoreOverall, Prime Minister Brown was pleased with the three Pa Enua consultations.
“It was great to see our people’s interest in our SBM sector, and to receive their questions and feedback,” he said, “This is the whole purpose of our consultations: to engage with our people and to hear their views and concerns. It takes a lot of effort, but we are committed to it.” One of the Seabed Minerals Authority’s key priorities for 2021 is stakeholder engagement, in particular with its Cook Islands people.
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