National Initiatives onAugust 4, 2026 Cook Islands Extends Seabed Exploration to 2032 The Cook Islands extended its seabed minerals exploration programme, pushing any commercial nodule mining decision to at least 2032.
National Initiatives onAugust 4, 2026 China’s Deep-Sea Research Mission in the Cook Islands Raises Regional Alarm China's research vessel Da Yang Hao began a seabed survey off the Cook Islands, prompting New Zealand to cut nearly $16 million in aid.
National Initiatives onAugust 4, 2026 Japan and U.S. Advance Joint Study on Deep-Sea Rare Earth Mining Near Minamitori Island Japan and the U.S. launched a joint study of deep-sea rare earth mud near Minamitori Island, targeting 350 tonnes a day by 2027.