ASIATODAY.ID, WELLINGTON — The United States is stepping up efforts to secure access to critical minerals in the Pacific, with newly appointed Ambassador Jared Novelly declaring the Cook Islands’ vast mineral resources a top strategic priority for Washington.
The announcement comes as the US accelerates its campaign to diversify critical mineral supply chains and reduce reliance on China, which dominates much of the global processing and production of key resources essential for clean energy, advanced technology, and defense industries.
The Cook Islands, a self-governing nation in free association with New Zealand, are believed to hold one of the world’s largest deposits of cobalt-rich polymetallic nodules on the deep seabed. Cobalt is a vital component in electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy technologies, and military systems.
Speaking in Wellington, Novelly said access to critical minerals in the Cook Islands ranks among his highest priorities as US ambassador.
He emphasized that diversifying supply chains is crucial for national security, economic resilience, and the future of global technology industries. The ambassador also said Washington is prepared to connect the Cook Islands with American companies capable of supporting future mineral development, should the island nation choose to pursue commercial extraction.
Novelly stressed that any decision to develop the resources ultimately rests with the Cook Islands government and its people.
Growing Strategic Competition
Washington’s renewed focus reflects an intensifying global race to secure critical minerals, increasingly viewed as strategic assets in the transition to clean energy and high-tech manufacturing.
Earlier this year, the United States and the Cook Islands signed a non-binding framework covering critical minerals research and supply-chain security. The Pacific nation had previously signed a similar agreement with China, underscoring growing competition for influence across the region.
Despite strong international interest, the Cook Islands have yet to authorize commercial deep-sea mining, with environmental concerns and regulatory considerations continuing to shape policy discussions.
Novelly also urged Pacific nations to carefully evaluate strategic partnerships with China, while Beijing has consistently rejected Western criticism and accused the US and its allies of promoting bloc politics in the Indo-Pacific.
As demand for battery metals continues to surge, the Cook Islands are emerging as a potential geopolitical flashpoint in the global contest for critical mineral security, placing the small Pacific nation at the center of an increasingly important strategic rivalry. (RT)
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