The Cook Islands has announced an extension of seabed minerals exploration licenses for an additional five years, postponing any decisions regarding the potential mining of its polymetallic nodule-rich seafloor until 2032. The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) confirmed this extension, emphasizing the need for comprehensive scientific research and environmental assessments to assess the viability of mining operations.
Initially, the Cook Islands issued exploration licenses to three companies in February 2022, initiating a five-year exploration phase focused on gathering data and evaluating the ecological impact of seabed mining. Seabed Minerals Commissioner Beverly Stacey-Ataera noted that the current licenses will remain valid until February 2027, but the license holders have yet to complete their approved work plans. Should they wish to continue operations, they will be required to submit applications for renewal.
In response to the extension, local environmental group Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) expressed cautious optimism, highlighting the importance of additional time for thorough research. They argue that five years is insufficient to fully understand the environmental impacts of deep-sea mining, advocating for at least an additional ten years to conduct meaningful studies on biodiversity and ecosystem services provided by deep-sea life.
The society noted that during prior discussions about seabed mining regulations back in 2019, they suggested following the International Seabed Authority’s example, which recommended dedicating a minimum of 15 years for effective exploration, with an option to extend by five more years. TIS underlined the necessity of ensuring local communities are adequately informed about the potential risks associated with mining, especially amid shifting global demand for the types of metals present in the Cook Islands.
The Cook Islands, possessing an estimated 6.7 billion tonnes of wet nodules, is viewed as a significant player in the global supply of valuable metals like nickel and cobalt, which are crucial for technologies such as electric vehicle batteries. Notably, the interest in seabed mining is intensifying regionwide, as neighboring nations engage in similar initiatives, emphasizing the balance between economic opportunities and environmental sustainability.
There is hope that the extension will lead to responsible exploration practices, allowing for informed decisions that protect the marine environment while exploring the economic benefits of the Cook Islands’ mineral wealth. In light of ongoing international dialogues on responsible resource management, there remains optimism that the Cook Islands will navigate these challenges carefully, promoting scientific advancement and ecological stewardship.
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