Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority
Runanga Takere Moana
man-reading-newspaper-6053.jpg

News & Press Releases

 
 

You can read all the latest news and updates on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector here.

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

Read More
InternationalDede MingiCook 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)
US research vessel to aid Cook Islands’ seabed mineral exploration
US research vessel to aid Cook Islands’ seabed mineral exploration

The United States is partnering with the Cook Islands to provide scientific and technical support for the nation’s exploration of deep-sea mineral resources, a move that comes amid a fierce national debate and existing collaboration with China on the same issue.

Read More
CI NEWSDede MingiUS research vessel Cook Islands, US-Cook Islands seabed minerals partnership, Nautilus NOAA Cook Islands, Deep-sea mineral exploration Cook Islands, Seabed mining debate Cook Islands, Cook Islands seabed exploration 2025, Prime Minister Mark Brown, David Gehrenbeck, David Copley, Joshua Kroon, Sonny Williams, US Embassy Wellington, NOAA, US Department of Commerce, US National Security Council, Cook Islands Government, Seabed minerals exploration, Deep-sea mining, Ocean governance, Environmental stewardship, Capacity building, Responsible development, Technical assistance, US Cook Islands relations, China Cook Islands seabed MoU, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ, 60 years self-governance Cook Islands
Global Lessons, Local Impact: SBMA’s Te-Ara Henderson Returns from South Australia Secondment
Global Lessons, Local Impact: SBMA’s Te-Ara Henderson Returns from South Australia Secondment

The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) proudly welcomes home its Senior Policy and Legal Officer, Te-Ara Henderson, following the successful completion of an 11-week regulatory secondment with the South Australian Department for Energy and Mining (DEM), an exchange facilitated through the Australasian Environmental Law Enforcement and Regulators Network (AELERT). 

Read More
Press ReleaseDede MingiSBMA, Cook Islands, Rarotonga, Te-Ara Henderson, South Australia, AELERT, Global Learning, Local Impact, AELERT Network, Cook Islands Leadership, Seabed Minerals, Regulatory Excellence, Pacific Innovation, Knowledge Exchange, Ocean Governance
Thomas Wynne: Through the reef of 1965, to the ocean of 1974 and deep waters of 2025, ‘Let US begin’
Thomas Wynne: Through the reef of 1965, to the ocean of 1974 and deep waters of 2025, ‘Let US begin’

“And to you, the people of the Cook Islands, I say – let us begin.” – Albert Henry, Inaugural Address, 1965. These were the words of the Papa of our democracy, spoken in 1965 at his inaugural address. Words that still echo today, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

Read More
CI NEWSDede MingiCook Islands 60th Anniversary, 60 Years of Self-Governance, Constitution Celebrations, National Identity, Self-determination, Sir Albert Henry, Thomas Taruronga Wynne, Papa of our democracy, Cook Islands Leadership, Nationhood, Democracy, Independence in spirit, Covenant with the people, Mana and integrity, Guardianship (Mana Tiaki), Sovereignty, Agency, Unity and reciprocity, Inaugural Address 1965, Third UN Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1974, Seabed Minerals, Ocean Governance, Marae Moana, Vaka Traditions, Maori to Maori Connections, Diaspora and return home, Let us begin, Building the future together, Strength in Unity, Prosperity for our children, Cook Islands, Rarotonga, Pacific Islands, New Zealand, Small Island States, Global Advocacy
Let’s lead with wisdom: Opposition calls for national pause on seabed mining
Let’s lead with wisdom: Opposition calls for national pause on seabed mining

Opposition leader Tina Browne is calling for a “national pause” on the Cook Islands’ deep sea mining ambitions, warning that the country is risking its oceanic heritage and identity by charging ahead with a decision that could have irreversible consequences.

Read More
CI NEWSDede MingiTina Browne, Opposition Leader, National Pause Call, Seabed Mining Moratorium, Cook Islands Parliament, Te Moana Nui o Kiva, Pacific Ocean Protection, Deep Sea Mining Debate, Youth Representation, Ocean Heritage, Cultural Identity, Pacific Leaders in France, UN Ocean Confererence, Blue Economy Forum, Cook Islands Government, Mark Brown, Responsible Development, Inclusive Consultation, Environmental Governance, Community Dialogue, Traditional Knowledge, Ra'ui, Seabed Mining Opposition, Marine Protection Advocacy, Vaka Navigators Voices, Youth Engagement, Climate Leadership, Wisdom Before Ambition
Cook Islands Government Deepens Diaspora Ties in Australia
Cook Islands Government Deepens Diaspora Ties in Australia

The Cook Islands Government has wrapped up a national diaspora consultation tour in Sydney, Queensland, and Melbourne, connecting with Cook Islanders living in Australia through open and honest dialogue.

Read More
Media ReleaseDede MingiCook Islands Government, Diaspora Consultation, Pacific Leadership, National Development, Community Engagement, SBMA, Cook Islands Pride, Rarotonga, Seabed Minerals, Ocean Stewardship, Sustainable Development, Environmental Protection, Climate Action, Blue Economy, Responsible Mining, Cook Islands Diaspora, Australia Tour 2025, Melbourne Consultation, Queensland Community, Sydney Session, Voices From Abroad, Pacific Diaspora, Your Voice Matters, Transparency, Future Generations, Open Dialogue, Community Voices, Shared Responsibility, Unity In Diversity, Kia Manuia, Our People Our Future
Geospatial training empowers Cook Islands agencies in marine management planning
Geospatial training empowers Cook Islands agencies in marine management planning

The Cook Islands is increasing efforts to protect and sustainably manage its marine environment through its involvement in the Pacific Biodiversity and Sustainable Land‐Seascapes Programme (Pacific BioScapes), a regional initiative funded by the European Union and coordinated by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).

Read More
CI NEWSDede MingiMarine Spatial Planning, Cook islands Ocean Governance, Geospatial Training, Pacific Bioscapes Programme, SPREP, IUCN Oceania, National Marine Spatial Plan, Sustainable Marine Management, Biodiversity Conservation, QGIS, ArcGIS, Seabed Minerals Authortiy (SBMA), National Environmental Services (NES), Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR), Ministry of Transport (MOT), Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI), GIS Training, Marine Data Mapping, Special and Unique Marine Areas (SUMAs), Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), Climate Resilience, Ridge-to-Reef Approach, Ocean Zone Typologies, Interagency Coordination, Environmental Policy Development, EU-Funded Initiative, Marine Conservation Cook Islands, Empowering Local Expertise
Seabed mining company to engage with Southern Pa Enua for first time
Seabed mining company to engage with Southern Pa Enua for first time

One of the three seabed mining companies exploring the Cook Islands seabed for deep sea nodules will be visiting the Southern Pa Enua for the first time next week as part of its expanded community engagement programme.

Read More
CI NEWSDede MingiMoana Minerals, Southern Pa Enua Outreach, Seabed Mining Engagement, Hans Smit, Community Consultations, Mangaia Visit, Mitiaro Visit, Atiu Visit, Cook Islands Outer Islands, Exploration Transparency, Stakeholder Engagement, Island Councils, Traditional Leaders, Student Outreach, Seabed Minerals Exploration, Science Vessel Tour, Community Dialogue, Environmental Awareness, Local Participation, Future Opportunities, Open Community Events, Education and Awareness, Inclusive Consultation, Cook Islands Seabed Mining, Social Media Itinerary
Seabed mining consultations criticised as ‘one-sided sales pitch’
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.

Read More
CI NEWSDede MingiLouisa Castledine, Ocean Ancestors, Seabed Mining Criticism, SBMA Consultations, One-Sided Dialogue, Gold Coast Meeting, Environmental Advocacy, Diaspora Engagement, Marae Moana Framework, NGO Exclusion, Balanced Consultation, Environmental Risks, Cultural Impact, Mining Consequences, Indigenous Rights, Protection of our Moana, PR vs Reality, Cook Islands Government, Cook Islanders in Australia, Te Ipukarea Society, Korero o te Orau, Power Imbalance, Seabed Minerals Authority, PM Mark Brown, Delegation, Shor-Term Gain vs Long-Term Loss