Business leader assesses economic promise of seabed mining in Cook Islands

A Cook Islands business leader believes that deep sea mining could bring economic benefits to the nation.

Adrienne Tinirau-Hosking, Chair of the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce, says they have been providing the government with guidance around seabed mineral mining.

But she urges transparency and environmental care as the country navigates diplomatic tensions and experiences a tourism boom.

“I am also very cautious of how that whole seabed mineral project, how that's going to look like in the future,” Tinirau-Hosking says.

“But on an economic level, I think it'll be great for the country, as long as it's done the right way.”

The Cook Islands is in the exploration phase, and its Seabed Minerals Authority has not provided a specific timeline for when mining will begin.

The Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce has officially been recognised as the voice of the Cook Islands Private Sector. Photo/Supplied

The minerals planned for harvesting include polymetallic nodules, which investors see as potential sources of nickel and copper, as well as cobalt-rich nodules and muds enriched with rare Earth elements.

These minerals are valuable for manufacturing a range of technologies, including cutting-edge electronics and green energy solutions.

Although Tinirau-Hosking clarifies that the chamber does not endorse the exploration of seabed mining, she says it’s important to stay informed about its economic implications.

Types of seabed minerals. Photo/Supplied

“It's more so ensuring that the Chamber has a seat at the table and is across the whole seabed mineral space and ensuring that it is being transparent on how that is going or what that's going to look like in the future of the environment.”

She reiterates that businesses in the Cook Islands are thriving post-pandemic, with tourism numbers surpassing pre-Covid levels.

“Business is booming,” she says. “It is very busy, in particular with the 60-year celebration that's going on at the moment. Tourism numbers have exceeded.”

Tourism remains the largest contributor to the Cook Islands’ GDP, with 2023 figures from Cook Islands Tourism indicating that visitor numbers have surpassed 2019, with an average stay of eight nights.

New Zealand continues to be the dominant source market for tourists, followed by Australia.

On labour shortages, Tinirau-Hosking finds optimism in recent changes in immigration policies that have streamlined the employment recruitment process.

Watch Adrienne Tinirau-Hosking's full interview below.

She advocates for maintaining strong New Zealand-Cook Island relations, particularly amid diplomatic challenges following the suspension of $18.2 million in aid.

The absence of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters from this year’s 60th celebration in Rarotonga has led to speculation about the current diplomatic relationship between the two countries.

“We still need that link with New Zealand,” Tinirau-Hosking says. “It is a big wish to feel or think that we could be sustainable on our own.

“I'm not fully, 100 per cent agreeing to how things are going right now but keeping an eye on how things will move forward.”