The Pacific Island Nation That Wants To Mine The Ocean Floor

Source: International Business Times

Marine biologist Teina Rongo passes the research vessel MV Anuanua Moana in Rarotonga, Cook Islands AFP A 1,000-tonne ship is exploring the far-flung South Pacific for riches buried beneath the waves, spearheading efforts to dredge the tropical waters for industrial deep-sea mining. Fringed by sparkling lagoons and palm-shaded beaches, Pacific nation the Cook Islands has opened its vast ocean territory for mining exploration. Research vessels roam the seas searching for deposits of battery metals, rare earths and critical minerals that litter the deep ocean's abyssal plains.