Cook Islands PM ‘proceeds with caution’ on deep-sea mining as critics warn over risks

Deadline tied to the regulation of controversial plans to extract seabed minerals looms amid division over the practice

Days ahead of a deadline that highlights the pressure to develop rules on deep-sea mining, Cook Islands prime minister Mark Brown said pursuing the controversial practice is the right thing to do for our country."

Brown told the Guardian the small Pacific nation continues to proceed with caution" as it studies the feasibility of harvesting seabed minerals within its waters. As the Cook Islands moves ahead, opposition to the nascent industry is widespread - including among Pacific states - with some countries calling for a moratorium or outright ban. Those against deep-sea mining are concerned about the environmental impact it could have on marine ecosystems.