Over 100 stakeholders and marine minerals experts from all across the globe have gathered for the International Underwater Minerals Conference (UMC) 2024 in Rarotonga this week.

The four-day conference, which began in 1970, will be held from Monday to Thursday this week at the National Auditorium, gathering marine minerals experts from over 25 countries.

UMC is the world’s largest gathering of ocean mineral stakeholders, including government, academic, and commercial sector professionals.

For the first time, the conference will be opened for local residents to attend which will discuss topics such as:

• Geological and biological studies of marine minerals deposits and their associated biological communities;
• Regulatory considerations related to mineral resource and environmental impact assessment;
• Technological considerations related to scientific survey objectives and commercial recovery objectives;
• General policy considerations related to the long-term development of these resources; and other relevant topics.​

Hosted by the International Marine Minerals Society (IMMS) with the Cook Islands Government under the theme, “Going Deep: Getting the Science Right for informed Decision,” the conference explores all things ocean minerals, from cutting-edge technologies and environmental sustainability to the regulatory frameworks shaping the future of deep-sea minerals.

The conference is presented by the IMMS in partnership with the government of the Cook Islands and this year's technical programme will be chaired by Dr. John Wiltshire, president of IMMS. 

According to a statement, Cook Islands Prime Minister and Minister for Seabed Minerals, Mark Brown, and the Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) are thrilled to be one of the many sponsors for the conference.

“For the first time ever, IMMS is offering free access to Cook Islands residents not registered for the conference! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to hear directly from world-leading experts in marine minerals,” SBMA said.

“The SBMA is proud to support UMC, reflecting the Cook Islands’ commitment to sustainability, scientific research, and environmental stewardship.”