CIC Ocean Research Information

CIC Limited (CIC) is a privately held Cook Islands company with significant backing by US strategic investors focused on addressing challenges in the critical minerals supply chain through development of ocean mineral resources. At the invitation of the Cook Islands Government, the founders of CIC began investigating the feasibility of entering a license agreement for exploration of the nation’s huge polymetallic nodule resource. The company was granted a mineral exploration license in February, 2022 that covers an area in the Cook Islands' EEZ with some of the world’s largest potential cobalt, manganese, nickel, copper, titanium, and rare earth element deposits. CIC is currently engaged in an extensive research program to better understand the mineral resource, conduct baseline studies, and assess the potential environmental impacts of developing the resource. Pending confirmation of environmentally safe harvesting methods and comprehensive EIA filing, CIC will gain exclusive rights for development within its licensed area. Supported by a consortium of scientific organisations and a proficient Technical Advisory Board, CIC possesses the expertise for economically viable and eco-friendly resource extraction unmatched by others.