Cook Islands hosts world’s largest marine minerals gathering

Over 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.

Letter: Nodules: ‘Our underwater Amazon’

I thank Ms Alex (Herman) for her reply to my previous letter regarding DSM (Deep Sea Mining) or SBM (Sea Bed Mining) which is what some are hoping to do in our EEZ.

Underwater Minerals Conference 2024: A Unique Learning Opportunity for Cook Islanders

On behalf of the Cook Islands Prime Minister and Minister for Seabed Minerals, Honourable Mark Brown, the Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) is excited to be a sponsor of the 52nd Underwater Minerals Conference (UMC), the world’s leading event for ocean mineral stakeholders, with presentations taking place in Rarotonga next week 16 to 19 September 2024 at the National Auditorium.

Letter: Deep sea mining consultation

Dear Editor, I recall a public consultation in Mauke. There were two motions for consideration.

The first motion YES for the completion of the ten years Precautionary Research still ongoing and NO to any actual DSM (deep sea mining) activities to begin.

The second motion was NO to the ongoing ten years Precautionary Research and YES to the actual DSM activities to start up asap (as soon as possible).

A few people spoke against DSM at that public consultation, but then it was concluded, by the Government officials that afternoon, that the majority agreed to the YES motion. The public meeting was over and the dinner provided was excellent, I must say.

Garment printing campaign raises awareness against deep-sea mining

The upcoming “Sail Out Rally”, calling for a precautionary pause on deep sea mining, is gaining momentum with a “printing for the protection of our ocean” campaign at the Punanga Nui Market.

Opposition welcomes regulations, warns against premature mining

The Opposition leader has welcomed the regulatory framework for deep-sea mining but maintains the stance against any mining activities until ‘environmentally friendly technology’ is available and Cook Islanders are fully involved.

Cook Islands deep sea mining poll sparks controversy

An online opinion poll on deep sea mining has been criticised by the government regulator responsible for overseeing seabed minerals activities in the Cook Islands as “fundamentally flawed”.

PM Brown urges Pacific unity on deep-sea mining

Cook Islands Prime Minister and former chair of the Forum, Mark Brown is urging Pacific Island leaders to come together on a collective stance on deep-sea mining, ahead of a key talanoa session set for next month.

Joint Media Release MFAI & SBMA: Cook Islands participation at International Seabed Authority's 29th Council and Assembly Sessions

A Cook Islands delegation, led by Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Honourable Sonny Williams, attended the International Seabed Authority's (ISA) 29th Council and Assembly Sessions, held in Kingston, Jamaica, from 15 July to 2 August. The Commissioner Alex Herman and Senior Knowledge Management Officer Rima Browne from the Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) attended the Council meetings and were later joined by the Assistant Minister and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Foreign Service Officer, Tatryanna Utanga, for the Assembly.

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