Deep-sea mining in the Cook Islands has long been promoted as a pathway to diversify the national economy beyond its heavy reliance on tourism and aid. It has been framed as a rare and timely opportunity to generate revenue and strengthen economic independence. However, this so-called “window of opportunity” is rapidly shifting. Advances in technology and evolving supply chains are reducing the long-term reliance on ocean minerals for the green transition. Instead, these minerals are increasingly valued for strategic and military purposes, raising new ethical and geopolitical concerns.
Original Article: Te Ipukarea Society: Why Cook Islands must rethink deep-sea mining
