The research vessel MV Anuanua Moana, which is exploring efforts for industrial deep-sea mining, at a port in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, on June, 11, 2025. William West/AFP via Getty Images
The U.S. government has begun talks with the Cook Islands for research on seabed minerals exploration and development.
The people of the Cook Islands, a self-governing country, are historically and culturally aligned with New Zealand and possess New Zealand passports.
