‘Tens of billions’ from seabed mining

The Cook Islands government is seriously considering mining its ‘tens of billions of dollars’ of seabed resources. Mark Brown, Cooks Islands’ Finance Minister has held talks with some of the worlds biggest companies about licensing deals with the first tenders due to be granted before June 2014. Brown says the Cook Islands government is looking at having stakes in the mining companies for free in return for rights to exploit its seabed resources. The government has been considering the establishment of a wealth fund to manage revenues from this lucrative project. However, concerns persist about the negative impacts of seabed mining, including serious threats to marine environment.

This article was written by

Kiery Manassah

LENDING FIJI A HAND

DP09 – Fiji has a complex history that requires careful examination. There is unlikely to be any benefit in isolating Fiji and its new regime. Let’s be constructive, keep it in the family and work with Fiji to develop its democracy.
KEEPING THE PEACE

DP26 – There is a wider understanding of security issues emerging, such as the nexus between peace and development and what ensures ‘human security’ more broadly.
ISLAND DREAMING

DP15 – We have had decades of ‘big man’ politics – now we need to refine the big ideas, and have island leaders articulate their vision and timeline for our Pacific community.

EYES IN THE SKY

Ben Bohane joins Guam Battalion troops being trained in the use of drones.
FOB PATROL AND A RAPPING MEDIC

Ben Bohane goes to Helmand province in southern Afghanistan, stepping outside the wire with more Micronesian troops and finding a medic who “raps” his mission in song.
IN PICTURES

In a historic presentation, West Papuan leaders representing their newly unified movement, have applied for membership of the MSG. Dan McGarry captures the ceremony in a photo essay.