Chinese Research Vessel Surveys Rich Deep-Sea Mineral Fields off Cook Islands Amid US–China Interest

Chinese Research Vessel Arrives in Cook Islands to Probe Deep-Sea Mining Potential

The Chinese research vessel Da Yang Hao docked in the palm‑lined port of Avatiu on the Cook Islands on Saturday as part of what authorities described as a "scientific research cruise" to examine the archipelago's deep‑sea mineral resources. The mission comes as interest in seabed minerals intensifies amid rising demand for critical materials and strategic competition between Beijing and Washington.

Vast areas of seabed around the Cook Islands are carpeted with polymetallic nodules — irregular lumps rich in rare and critical minerals such as cobalt, nickel and manganese. The Cook Islands, which claims one of the world's largest deposits of these nodules, signed a controversial cooperation agreement on deep‑sea mining with China earlier this year.

Survey Activities and Local Capacity Building

The Cook Islands' Seabed Minerals Authority said the cruise included seabed mapping with sonar arrays and dredging to collect sediment samples for analysis. "This cruise is about learning by doing," spokesman Edward Herman said, noting that Cook Islands staff are actively participating in the work to build local marine research skills and capacity.

Photos released by the authority showed the near‑100‑metre (about 330‑foot) Da Yang Hao moving through the Cook Islands' otherwise quiet main harbour before docking. The vessel bears the emblem of China's Ocean Mineral Resources Research Association, the organization responsible for seabed mineral exploration.

Geopolitics, Science and Environmental Concerns

Both the United States and China have stepped up activity in the region this year. In August, the United States signed its own agreement with the Cook Islands to pursue deep‑sea mining research, and a US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration‑backed research voyage took place less than a month before the Da Yang Hao's arrival.

While exploration is advanced in some areas, no company or nation has begun commercial‑scale deep‑sea mining. Environmental scientists and campaigners warn that mining could blanket fragile ecosystems with sediment plumes and that noise and disturbance from heavy machinery may disrupt marine life and migrations. International regulators are still negotiating environmental safeguards and governance frameworks for any future industry activity.

Past Concerns Over Research Vessels

Chinese research ships have at times drawn scrutiny and accusations that they conduct surveillance or military activities under the cover of scientific work. In 2021, Pacific island nation Palau — a strong US ally — alleged the Da Yang Hao entered its exclusive economic zone without permission.

The Cook Islands faces a complex choice: potential economic gains from valuable mineral deposits versus environmental risks and geopolitical pressure. Authorities say increased scientific participation by local researchers is intended to help the nation make informed decisions about any future exploitation of seabed resources.

Key facts: polymetallic nodules contain critical minerals used in electric vehicles, batteries and advanced electronics; exploration is underway but commercial mining has not begun; regulatory and environmental safeguards remain unresolved.