A Cook Islands environmental group is pushing for independent research before the country decides on whether to proceed with seabed mining
The Cooks' Prime Minister Mark Brown has announced that seabed mining companies have until next month to submit expressions of interest for exploring the country's waters.
He says exploration is research and that the country is taking a precautionary approach.
But Te Ipukarea Society's Deep Sea Minerals Campaign Consultant, Teuru Tiraa Passfield, says given the risk of environmental damage there should be a pause on this activity until conservation areas are properly delineated.
She told Johnny Blades that a lot of Cook Islanders have issues with what's happening.
Te Ipukarea Society's Deep Sea Minerals Campaign Consultant, Teuru Tiraa Passfield. Photo: Supplied
