21 Sep 2023

Deep sea mining companies keen to begin operations in the Cooks

From , 6:01 am on 21 September 2023
Moana Minerals Limited, CEO Hans Smit on board the company’s research vessel.

Moana Minerals Limited, CEO Hans Smit on board the company’s research vessel. Photo: Moana Minerals Limited

Deep-sea mining companies in the Cook Islands have been exploring the country's ocean to see if they can extract potato sized nodules packed full of minerals located miles below the surface. 

After the exploration phase, companies will be able to mine if they prove it can be done in an environmentally acceptable way. 

RNZ Pacific's Caleb Fotheringham has the story.