The Cook Islands government has issued seabed mineral exploration licenses to three companies, marking a significant step toward potential deep-sea mining in the region. The licenses grant Cook Islands Cobalt (CIC) Limited, Moana Minerals Limited, and CIIC Seabed Resources Limited permission to assess the viability of mining polymetallic nodules—mineral-rich rocks found five kilometers below the ocean surface and loaded with cobalt, copper, manganese, and nickel.
The government envisions deep-sea mining as a path to national development, promising improved infrastructure, water security in the outer islands, expanded internet access, and educational opportunities for citizens. However, the plan faces domestic and international scrutiny. Environmental groups, including Te Ipukarea Society, and companies like Microsoft and BMW, have called for a moratorium on ocean mining until sufficient scientific research is conducted.
Concerns have also been raised about the independence of environmental assessments, which are funded and initiated by the companies themselves. Critics fear that once exploration is complete, commercial mining approvals may be difficult to deny, even if environmental risks are identified.
Adding to tensions is the legal precedent set by CIC co-owner Odyssey Marine Exploration, which is seeking over $2.3 billion in damages from the Mexican government after being denied a mining license. This has raised fears that the Cook Islands could face similar legal challenges if it ultimately declines to approve mining activities.
Despite these concerns, the government has stood firm against a moratorium and structured its legislation to favor mining investment. With exploration set to continue over the next five years at a budget of up to $71.7 million per company, the Cook Islands is emerging as a key frontier in the global race for critical minerals needed for the clean energy transition.
