Cook Islands and US start talks on seabed mining
According to a joint statement, the two governments have begun discussions to support scientific research that will inform the responsible exploration and development of seabed mineral resources within the Cook Islands' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
"The Government of the United States of America has begun discussions with the Government of the Cook Islands to support the research necessary to inform seabed exploration and responsible development within the Cook Islands' Exclusive Economic Zone," the State Department said in a statement.
US-linked firms "sit at the forefront" of deep seabed mineral research and exploration in the Cook Islands, it said.
In June, New Zealand suspended millions of dollars in budget funding to the Cook Islands after its prime minister signed partnership agreements with China without consultation.
Those agreements committed them to deepening cooperation in seabed mining, as well as in education, the economy, infrastructure, fisheries, and disaster management.
"This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to scientific advancement, environmental stewardship, and sustainable economic growth," the joint statement said.
The announcement comes at a time of growing geopolitical interest in the Pacific Islands, where countries like China have increased their engagement through defence, trade, and infrastructure deals.
Western nations, including the US and New Zealand, have been working to strengthen relationships with Pacific nations to support regional stability and development.
New Zealand, which shares constitutional ties with the Cook Islands, recently expressed support for the new US-Cook Islands partnership, emphasising the rights of Pacific states to manage their natural resources.
Diplomatic relations between the US and the Cook Islands were formally established in 2023, and officials on both sides say this new initiative marks a significant step forward.
"Together, we commit to advancing responsible development of seabed minerals and global scientific understanding of the deep ocean, and to setting a high standard for transparent seabed resources management," the joint statement said.
ABC/Reuters
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Cook Islands and US start talks on seabed mining
As the Cook Islands mark 60 years of self-governance, the United States has begun talks with the island nation about researching seabed mineral exploration and development. According to a joint statement, the two governments have begun discussions to support scientific research that will inform the responsible exploration and development of seabed mineral resources within the Cook Islands' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). "The Government of the United States of America has begun discussions with the Government of the Cook Islands to support the research necessary to inform seabed exploration and responsible development within the Cook Islands' Exclusive Economic Zone," the State Department said in a statement. US-linked firms "sit at the forefront" of deep seabed mineral research and exploration in the Cook Islands, it said. In June, New Zealand suspended millions of dollars in budget funding to the Cook Islands after its prime minister signed partnership agreements with China without consultation. Those agreements committed them to deepening cooperation in seabed mining, as well as in education, the economy, infrastructure, fisheries, and disaster management. "This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to scientific advancement, environmental stewardship, and sustainable economic growth," the joint statement said. The announcement comes at a time of growing geopolitical interest in the Pacific Islands, where countries like China have increased their engagement through defence, trade, and infrastructure deals. Western nations, including the US and New Zealand, have been working to strengthen relationships with Pacific nations to support regional stability and development. New Zealand, which shares constitutional ties with the Cook Islands, recently expressed support for the new US-Cook Islands partnership, emphasising the rights of Pacific states to manage their natural resources. Diplomatic relations between the US and the Cook Islands were formally established in 2023, and officials on both sides say this new initiative marks a significant step forward. "Together, we commit to advancing responsible development of seabed minerals and global scientific understanding of the deep ocean, and to setting a high standard for transparent seabed resources management," the joint statement said. ABC/Reuters
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