Cook Islands–U.S. framework on critical minerals explained

The Cook Islands and the United States have agreed to a non-binding framework to guide cooperation on critical minerals and rare earths, including deep-sea minerals in the Cook Islands EEZ.

The framework sets out how the two countries may work together on research, geological mapping, investment discussions, processing, and supply chain security, while keeping full Cook Islands control over decision-making, laws, and environmental safeguards.

Importantly, this framework:

• It is not a mining licence or approval

• Does not guarantee funding or investment

• Does not commit the Cook Islands to extraction or timelines

• Creates no legal obligations

Any future activity would still be subject to strict environmental assessment, existing legislation, and independent regulatory decisions.

The framework is about building options, knowledge, and partnerships — not making commitments — and reflects the Cook Islands’ leadership in responsible ocean governance and high-standard regulatory practice.

Cook Islands - U.S. Framework on Critical Minerals Document

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Blue Partnerships Document