Cook Islands at the center of a new minerals race
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The United States has begun talks with the Cook Islands to explore and map the island nation’s seabed mineral resources. Announced in August 2025, the discussions mark a deeper US role in the Pacific at a time when the Cook Islands has also signed a mining cooperation agreement with China. While the Cook Islands retains sovereign control over its Exclusive Economic Zone, the move reflects Washington’s aim to secure potential access to minerals needed for energy transition and defense industries.
What sits on the seabed and why it matters for supply chains
The Cook Islands’ seabed holds polymetallic nodules, rock-like deposits containing cobalt, nickel, copper, manganese, iron, and traces of rare earth elements. These materials are essential for batteries, renewable energy systems, and electronics. Found at depths between 4,500 and 5,300 meters, nodules in the Cook Islands are recognized for their size and density. Global manufacturers concerned about unstable supply chains are monitoring developments closely.
Resource scale and the Cook Islands regulatory posture
A JORC 2012–standard estimate places the Cook Islands’ nodule resource at about 6.7 billion tonnes. This positions the nation’s seabed among the largest known deposits within national waters. The Seabed Minerals Authority issues exploration licenses and reviews environmental assessments. While some companies hold permits, commercial production has not started. Officials in Rarotonga have indicated that environmental and cultural safeguards will guide any decisions on mining.
Rules in flux at the International Seabed Authority
Outside national jurisdictions, seabed mining falls under the International Seabed Authority, which is still finalizing its mining code. As of July 2025, member states had not reached agreement on exploitation regulations. The lack of clarity affects financing and planning for high seas projects. Although the Cook Islands’ activities will occur in its own waters, ISA rules still influence international expectations for environmental oversight.
Environmental risk, monitoring standards, and baseline science
Marine scientists warn that mining at abyssal depths could disturb slow-growing ecosystems. Species adapted to stable conditions may not recover quickly from disruption. The Cook Islands requires baseline studies and is considering ongoing monitoring programs. Remotely operated and autonomous underwater vehicles can collect detailed environmental data, but coverage and funding remain concerns. Without comprehensive scientific evidence, gauging and reducing potential impacts is difficult.
The US–Cook Islands discussions add a new factor to Pacific resource politics. China’s agreement with the Cook Islands in February 2025 underscored Beijing’s interest in similar minerals. Over the next two years, analysts expect scientific surveys, environmental reviews, and possibly small-scale extraction trials. Outcomes will depend on regulatory progress, market conditions, and the ability of all parties to weigh economic benefits against ecological protection.
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