Dec. 28 at 4:31 AM
$OMEX “President Trump has prioritized expanding production of critical minerals in an unprecedented way,” said Anna Kelly, the White House deputy press secretary. The Trump administration also recently published a list of areas to explore in U.S. waters, including offshore California, Alaska and Hawaii, which likewise wouldn’t be governed by U.N. rules.
The Republic of Nauru, with one of the world’s smallest economies, has signed its own deal with the Metals Company. Kiribati, another island nation, has said it is exploring an offshore mining partnership with China.
Other Pacific islands are adamantly opposed, saying offshore mining is too dangerous, with science on its practicality lacking.
Island paradise
For the Cook Islands, it could be a game-changer.
Named after English explorer James Cook, who visited in the 1770s, the Cooks include 15 islands across an area roughly the size of Saudi Arabia.
The economy is highly dependent on foreign aid and tourists. Many people have emigrated
