The United States has identified access to the Cook Islands' critical minerals as a strategic priority, reflecting growing global competition for resources essential to defence technologies and the energy transition. The announcement underscores the increasing geopolitical importance of the Pacific as major powers seek to diversify supply chains and strengthen regional partnerships.
elocal Report: Based on reporting by RT.
The newly appointed United States ambassador to New Zealand and several Pacific island nations has identified securing access to the Cook Islands' critical minerals as one of his highest priorities, highlighting the growing strategic importance of the Pacific in the global contest for essential resources.
Jared Novelly, who also serves as the US ambassador to the Cook Islands, Niue and Samoa, made the comments in Wellington, saying that critical minerals in the Cook Islands ranked among his foremost priorities as Washington seeks to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on China.
Vast Seabed Mineral Resources
The Cook Islands possess one of the world's largest known deposits of cobalt contained within polymetallic nodules on the deep ocean floor.
Cobalt is a key component in electric vehicle batteries, advanced electronics and military equipment, making it increasingly valuable as nations compete to secure reliable supplies of critical minerals.
According to the report, China currently accounts for nearly 70 percent of global production, prompting the United States to seek alternative sources through partnerships with resource-rich countries.
US Seeks Greater Engagement
Speaking to reporters, Ambassador Novelly said:
"Critical minerals, and particularly in the Cooks, is either 1A or 1B of my priorities."
He added that diversifying supply chains was important not only for American national security but also for consumer technology and allied countries, saying he intended to spend significant time in the Cook Islands discussing future opportunities.
While emphasising that any decision ultimately rests with the Cook Islands Government, Novelly said the United States was prepared to introduce American companies capable of supporting future development.
Strategic Competition In The Pacific
The comments come as geopolitical competition in the Pacific continues to intensify.
Earlier this year, the United States and the Cook Islands signed a non-binding framework covering critical minerals research and supply-chain security. The agreement followed a similar framework signed between the Cook Islands and China a year earlier.
Despite growing international interest, Cook Islands authorities have not yet approved commercial extraction of deep-sea minerals.
The report also notes that Washington has pursued comparable critical minerals agreements with Australia, Japan, several Central Asian nations and Ukraine as part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on Chinese-controlled supply chains.
China Responds
The United States has increasingly sought to strengthen strategic partnerships throughout the Indo-Pacific, including through the Quad grouping comprising the United States, India, Australia and Japan.
China has criticised these initiatives, accusing Washington and its partners of creating exclusive blocs designed to contain Beijing's influence across the region.
Does This Affect New Zealand?
The Cook Islands are in free association with New Zealand, and Cook Islanders are New Zealand citizens with long-standing social, family and economic ties across both countries. Thousands live in New Zealand, making developments in the Cook Islands a matter of direct interest rather than simply another Pacific news story.
The growing international competition for the Cook Islands' critical minerals also has wider implications. As major powers including the United States and China seek greater influence in the Pacific through investment, trade and strategic partnerships, New Zealand may increasingly find itself balancing its constitutional relationship with the Cook Islands alongside its own foreign policy, regional security interests and economic priorities.
The debate extends beyond minerals alone. It raises broader questions about Pacific governance, regional sovereignty, strategic infrastructure and how New Zealand will navigate an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific while maintaining its close relationship with one of its nearest constitutional partners.
Source
Original Article: Securing Access to Cook Islands' Critical Minerals a Top Priority – New US Envoy
Published: 3 July 2026