You can read all the latest news and updates on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector here.
The Cook Islands recently hosted the 52nd Underwater Minerals Conference (UMC) from 15 to 21 September 2024, marking the first time this prestigious event took place in a small island state. Organised by the International Marine Minerals Society (IMMS) in partnership with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority, the conference was held at the Cook Islands National Auditorium, attracting experts, researchers, and industry leaders from around the world.
Read MoreA recent online opinion poll conducted in the Cook Islands revealed that 66 per cent of residents oppose deep sea mining, while 49 per cent disapprove of exploration.
The government regulator overseeing seabed minerals activities in the Cook Islands rejected the poll result saying that the methodology was flawed and “did not fully capture the breadth of the public’s views on this complex issue”.
Read MoreCook Islands government will consider extending the exploration phase for deep-sea mining to gather more comprehensive data and ensure informed decision-making about the potential environmental impacts.
Prime Minister Mark Brown has revealed that there is a possibility of extending the exploration time frame beyond five years, depending on the satisfaction derived from the data and findings of the three companies conducting the exploration of the country’s seabed.
Read MoreCook Islands is set to gain a deeper understanding of seabed mining through expert discussions and knowledge sharing at the 52nd Underwater Minerals Conference held at the National Auditorium.
According to its technical chair, John C. Wiltshire, the goal of the conference, which has brought about 250 scientists from across the world, is to help Cook Islands gain more knowledge on seabed mining.
The four-day conference that ends tomorrow is the world’s largest gathering of ocean mineral stakeholders.
Read MorePrime Minister Mark Brown has welcomed the At Sea,Sail Out Rally against deep-sea mining but has expressed reservations about the call for a moratorium on deep-sea activities.
The “peaceful rally” at sea and on land to call for a precautionary pause to deep sea mining is organised by Ocean Ancestors, a collective of individuals, NGOs, and businesses united by their shared passion for protecting the ocean. It will be held this afternoon, starting at 4pm, at the Avarua Harbour (Trader Jacks carpark).
Read MoreCook Islands wants to be the country that is at the forefront of the seabed minerals sector, declared Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Read MoreThe marine minerals community from over 25 countries has gathered in Rarotonga, sharing ideas and knowledge on the future of seabed minerals as the 52nd Underwater Minerals Conference 2024 officially opened yesterday at the National Auditorium.
Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) Commissioner, Alex Herman, was amongst 18 experts from eight different countries who presented on various topics revolving around seabed minerals yesterday.
Read MoreOver 100 stakeholders and marine minerals experts from all across the globe have gathered for the International Underwater Minerals Conference (UMC) 2024 in Rarotonga this week.
The four-day conference, which began in 1970, will be held from Monday to Thursday this week at the National Auditorium, gathering marine minerals experts from over 25 countries.
UMC is the world’s largest gathering of ocean mineral stakeholders, including government, academic, and commercial sector professionals.
Read MorePrime Minister Mark Brown, accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Seabed Minerals Authority, and the Cook Islands High Commission, recently held a productive meeting with the University of Auckland to explore potential areas of collaboration in ocean research.
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