1. Could you explain the strategic importance of seabed minerals and how the Cook Islands could play a role in supplying critical minerals for the global energy transition?
The Cook Islands is one of the world’s largest ocean states relative to its population. We have approximately 2 million square kilometres of ocean territory, and with the recent award of our extended continental shelf, that expands to about 2.3 million square kilometres. In fact, about 99.9% of the Cook Islands is ocean.
A large portion of this seabed contains what we call polymetallic nodules, small black, golf-ball-sized formations that rest on the ocean floor. These nodules contain critical minerals such as cobalt, nickel, manganese, copper, and rare earth elements.
These minerals are essential for the global energy transition. They are used in batteries, solar panels, wind energy systems, and high-efficiency jet engine technologies.
To put this into perspective, global demand for cobalt alone over the next 15 years or so is projected to equal the amount used over the last 120 years. Current terrestrial mining capacity is unlikely to meet that demand without considerable environmental and social consequences.
This presents a significant opportunity for a small island nation like ours to contribute meaningfully to global supply chains. However, these nodules are located around five kilometres below the ocean surface. This means their development requires highly advanced engineering and a very careful scientific understanding of the marine environment.
So, the real question is not simply whether the resource exists; it clearly does, but whether it can be accessed responsibly and in an environmentally acceptable manner. Today we don't know if that is the case.
2. What is the mandate of the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority, and how does it oversee exploration governance and long-term resource management?
The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) is a national regulator. Our responsibility is to establish and enforce the governance systems that oversee all exploration activities.
At this stage, we are strictly in the exploration phase. No decision has been made on whether the Cook Islands will proceed to mineral harvesting/mining.
Our role is to ensure that our licence holders comply with a comprehensive set of requirements, all of which are publicly available in their licences. These include:
It is important to understand that this is not simply a question of economic opportunity versus environmental risk. Our joint mandate with the National Environment Service (NES) is to evaluate both dimensions simultaneously.
If operators cannot demonstrate that the activity is commercially viable while preserving environmental integrity, then it is unlikely to proceed
We also place inspectors onboard research vessels, require continuous reporting, and ensure all work aligns with national interests and long-term resource management objectives.
3. Seabed mining raises important environmental questions. How do you balance economic opportunities with the protection of marine ecosystems and biodiversity?
This is central to everything we do.
For a small island nation like the Cook Islands, the economic potential could be transformative. Currently, our economy relies heavily on tourism, with external aid and other sectors to support. As we saw during COVID-19, that limited diversity can expose us to severe economic shocks.
At the same time, our need for environmental stewardship is non-negotiable.
There is often a misconception that deep-sea mining would somehow affect our lagoons or visible coastal areas. That is not the case. The nodules are located far offshore in the deep ocean; to ensure caution, we also have marine protected areas in place.
To give an idea of scale: if you imagine our entire Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as a rugby field, the total area that could potentially be mined over 30 years would be roughly the size of the scrum in the middle of the field.
So, the potential footprint is extremely small relative to our total ocean area.
We are also implementing habitat-type-focused conservation policies and marine spatial planning frameworks to ensure protection and conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem functions for all the different types of seabed environments.
Above all, our approach is based on the precautionary principle: science first, evidence first, and no decisions without robust environmental data.
4. How central is scientific research to your approach, and what role do mapping, data collection, and environmental assessments play in decision-making?
Science and knowledge are absolutely central. They underpin every decision we make.
Our act and regulations have already been revised three times since 2012, precisely because our understanding continues to evolve.
We invest heavily in:
We have a dedicated science team, including award-winning Cook Islands scientists, who analyse and interpret this information.
We work from a position of knowledge. Our principle is simple: if science does not support it, we do not proceed.
Importantly, this research is already delivering benefits beyond seabed minerals. Seafloor mapping and oceanographic data are now being used for:
So even if extraction never happens, the science and knowledge of investment are already strengthening national resilience and public safety.
5. With rising global demand for critical minerals used in batteries and clean technologies, how do you see the Cook Islands fitting into future strategic supply chains?
There is increasing pressure on the supply of critical minerals globally, especially from terrestrial sources, and often with increasing environmental impact.
The key question is whether responsibly sourced seabed minerals can contribute to our societal mineral needs.
As a Pacific island nation, we are already on the frontline of climate change. Rising sea levels directly threaten our islands.
So, we feel a responsibility to explore whether we can contribute to the global shift towards renewable energy, but only if it does not create unacceptable risks for our own environment.
That is why we must carefully examine this opportunity.
6. What opportunities exist for international partnerships, especially with research institutions, investors, and U.S.-based stakeholders?
International partnerships are essential.
We currently work with approximately 27 to 28 international partners, including institutions from the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
Our relationship with U.S. agencies such as BOEM and NOAA has been exceptional. We are currently developing a strategic research plan together.
Beyond minerals, we are also advancing an ambitious concept called the Institute of Blue Ocean Science and Sustainability (IBOSS).
The vision is to make the Cook Islands a global hub for deep-sea scientific research and blue economy innovation, where researchers from around the world can come to conduct fieldwork, complete doctoral research, and collaborate on ocean science.
This could become a major source of knowledge-based economic growth for our country.
7. How do you ensure transparency and meaningful community engagement so that local voices are included in decisions?
Public trust is fundamental.
We are committed to open dialogue, public consultation, and full data transparency.
All our environmental data is made publicly accessible, and we regularly update communities on where the process stands.
It is critical to stress again: no decision has been made.
Actually, the SBMA does not decide whether the Cook Islands proceed with extraction. There is a governance process around that. Our role is to ensure that the information and governance framework are in place so that the people of the Cook Islands and their government can make an informed decision.
Transparency is the foundation of trust.
8. Looking ahead, what is your roadmap for the sector?
Our current focus remains on exploration and scientific understanding.
The existing five-year exploration licences expire on 20 February 2027, and licence holders must undergo a renewal process.
Renewal is not automatic.
Licence Holders must reapply and meet scientific, environmental, and operational criteria.
Some operators may choose to move towards trial mineral harvesting, which is still not commercial extraction. This phase would test whether technology can operate effectively while protecting the environment.
At the same time, we are also planning broader national infrastructure needs, airports, roads, hospitals, and regulatory capacity, because any future industry would require comprehensive national readiness.
For a nation of only 15,000 people, this is a major undertaking.
We have one opportunity to do this correctly, if it is indeed the right path for our country.
9. What message would you like to share with Los Angeles Times readers about the Cook Islands’ approach?
The Cook Islands are approaching seabed minerals with care, discipline, and responsibility.
We understand what is at stake, economically, environmentally, and for future generations.
Our approach is grounded in science, governance, transparency, and long-term sustainability.
If this sector meets the highest environmental and scientific standards, and if it provides lasting benefits for our people, then a decision may be made to proceed to extraction.
But every part of that equation must be acceptable.
We only get one chance to get this right.
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