The principal scientist for New Zealand's NIWA research institute says a lot more needs to be known about the Cook Islands' deep sea environment before any mining can safely take place.
Malcolm Clark says while technological hurdles are being overcome for mining five kilometres down, the environmental implications are not well understood.
Dr Clark spoke with Dominic Godfrey about the agreement the Cook Islands has with Texas based Ocean Minerals.
The company has exclusive rights to apply for manganese nodule prospecting and exploration licences in 23,000 square kilometres of the country's exclusive economic zone for up to 18 months.
Listen
Seabed mining machinery Photo: Mike Smith