A former Cook Islands prime minister, who championed one of the world’s largest multi-use marine protected areas, has been appointed to the board of the government-owned deep-sea mining company.

The Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) yesterday announced the appointment of former prime minister and Pacific Islands Forum secretary general, Henry Puna, to the Board of Cobalt Seabed Resources (CSR).

CSR, a joint venture between the Cook Islands government and GSR (Global Sea Mineral Resources) of Belgium, holds exploration licences in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) as well as within the Cook Islands’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

In a statement, CIIC board chair Fletcher Melvin welcomed the appointment, saying: “We are delighted to have Henry Puna join the CSR Board.”

“Henry brings a wealth of experience, both at the grassroots level with the people of the Cook Islands, and on the global stage through his extensive leadership roles across the Pacific and beyond. His expertise, networks, and deep understanding of sustainable development and ocean governance will be invaluable as CSR continues to explore opportunities that balance economic potential with environmental responsibility.”

According to CIIC, Puna’s career spans decades of service and leadership in the Cook Islands and the wider Pacific region.

During his tenure as prime minister, he championed the creation of Marae Moana, one of the world’s largest multi-use marine protected areas, and led numerous initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable ocean stewardship, regional cooperation and economic resilience, the statement added.

Puna served as prime minister of the Cook Islands from 2010 to 2020, and held various additional ministerial portfolios, including Foreign Affairs, Marine Resources and Energy.

Ther former Manihiki MP was elected the secretary general of the Pacific Islands Forum in 2021, becoming the first Cook Islander to hold this position. He stepped down from the regional role after his first term concluded last year.

“I am excited and looking forward to serving as a Director on the CSR Board. CSR is uniquely placed to made advances for the people of the Cook Islands,” Puna said.

CIIC is looking forward to Puna’s contributions to CSR, “as the Cook Islands advances its vision for responsible, science-based exploration and management of its seabed mineral resources”.

CSR is one of the three companies exploring deep-sea mining in the Cook Islands alongside Moana Minerals Limited and CIC Ocean Research. They were granted five-year exploration licence in February 2022 to determine the feasibility of deep-sea mining for polymetallic nodules rich in cobalt, copper, nickel and manganese.

According to the Cook Islands Investment Corporation, the directors of CSR include Michael Henry (chairperson), Kris Van Nijen, Joshua Mitchell and Sofie Verlinden. Eusenio Fatialofa is the general manager.