Concerns over proposed seabed mining in the Cook Islands are beginning to ease in Mangaia, following a recent visit by Moana Minerals aimed at informing and engaging the local community.

At a public meeting held on the island this week, company representatives were met with thoughtful questions and growing signs that the community is open to learning more, as long as concerns are addressed with transparency and respect.

One community member summed up the shift in sentiment, saying: “For those of us who still have doubts, this is the best opportunity for us to raise them now – so we don’t get confused or misled later when decisions are being made. Because at the end of the day, it’s the people who will decide what happens in our moana.”

Moana Minerals, one of the three companies with an exploration licence in the Cook Islands’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), are currently touring the Southern Pa Enua as part of its “environmental and social engagement efforts”.

Speaking at the meeting, Moana Minerals’ chief executive officer, Hans Smit clarified that no mining is currently taking place and no company has been given the green light to mine.

“The Anuanua Moana is not a mining vessel. It’s a research vessel. No one has permission to mine,” Smit said. “There’s a lot of work that has to happen before we even get to that conversation.”

The acknowledgment seemed to resonate with residents, many of whom expressed appreciation for the opportunity to ask direct questions and see the vessel for themselves.

Questions from the residents focused not just on the environmental impact but also on how benefits will be distributed, especially considering that the most mineral-rich zones lie in the northern waters of the Cook Islands.

“When I looked at the map, Mangaia has less than one per cent of the minerals. So how will we benefit equally?” one of the six traditional leaders asked.

In response, Smit pointed out that while the nodules lie far north, support infrastructure for any future operation could be based in southern islands like Mangaia.

“There’s potential here for warehousing, laboratories and workshops. Your land is well suited for that,” Smit said. “There’s a real opportunity for economic activity, jobs and long-term infrastructure.”

He also pointed to the Government’s proposed Sovereign Wealth Fund as a key mechanism for ensuring that revenues are shared equitably.

“We support the idea that benefits must be fairly distributed. If one group or one island benefits more than others, it creates risk for everyone – including us.”

On the environmental front, Moana Minerals outlined the twin principles guiding its approach: the precautionary principle and adaptive management.

“We are not rushing. This hasn’t been done before, so we move slowly and carefully. And as we learn, we adjust,” said Smit.

He also noted that, if mining were ever to be approved, it would only affect a small area – equivalent in size to Rarotonga – over a 25-year period.

“That’s less than 1 per cent of the entire Cook Islands’ EEZ,” he said.

According to Moana Minerals, one of their key concerns was that they often see the same people at consultation events, and they want to reach those who stay at home.

“We need to speak to the wider community, not just a small circle,” Smit said. “We’ve got nothing to hide. Anyone can tour the vessel, talk to the crew, and ask questions without us standing nearby.”

The Moana Minerals’ tour continues to the next island and with more meetings planned, residents showed signs of greater openness “as long as dialogue remains respectful and ongoing”.

“It’s good that they’re coming to us now. But it must continue. Don’t just come once and forget about us,” a Mangaia elder stated.

Mauke, where Cook Islands News understands there are quite a number of critics present, is next on the list to host the engagement tour with their own set of questions and concerns.

• Talaia Mika is on board Moana Minerals’ exploration vessel Anuanua Moana, visiting Southern Pa Enua for consultations as part of its environmental and social engagement efforts.