**Securing Access to Cook Islands’ Critical Minerals a Top Priority – New US Envoy**
The newly appointed United States ambassador to New Zealand and several Pacific island nations, Jared Novelly, has identified securing access to the Cook Islands' critical minerals as a primary focus of his diplomatic mission. The Cook Islands, a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand, is known to possess one of the largest cobalt deposits globally. This mineral is essential for the production of electric vehicle batteries and components for military aircraft, making it a significant resource in the context of global supply chains.
Ambassador Novelly emphasized the importance of diversifying the supply of critical minerals during a press conference in Wellington. He noted that the U.S. is actively seeking to reduce its dependency on China, which currently dominates the market, accounting for nearly 70% of global production. "Critical minerals, and particularly in the Cooks, is either 1A or 1B of my priorities," Novelly stated, highlighting the urgency of the matter for both U.S. national security and the technological needs of its citizens.
In his remarks, Novelly expressed a commitment to engaging with the Cook Islands, indicating that he plans to spend significant time discussing mineral access and potential collaborations with local authorities. He also mentioned his readiness to introduce island leaders to U.S. companies that could assist in this endeavor, while reiterating that the decision-making power ultimately lies with the islanders.
The ambassador's comments come in the wake of a non-binding framework signed in February between the Cook Islands government and the U.S. focused on critical minerals research and supply-chain security. This agreement aims to bolster cooperation in the face of increasing global competition for these vital resources. A year prior, the Cook Islands had entered into a similar agreement with China, although local authorities have yet to permit the commercial extraction of these minerals.
Novelly's visit also included a cautionary note regarding partnerships with China, suggesting that such collaborations could pose hidden risks to Pacific nations. He urged New Zealand to increase its defense spending, reflecting a broader U.S. strategy to counter China's influence in the Asia-Pacific region.
The U.S. has been proactive in establishing agreements to secure access to critical minerals in recent years. In October 2022, a significant deal was signed between U.S. President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to enhance access to critical minerals in Australia. Similar agreements have also been reached with Japan and several Central Asian countries, as well as a minerals deal with Ukraine formalized in April 2025.
The geopolitical landscape in the Asia-Pacific has prompted the U.S. to strengthen its alliances, particularly through the Quad grouping, which includes the United States, India, Australia, and Japan. In late May, senior officials from these nations convened in New Delhi to discuss strategies for securing and diversifying critical minerals supply chains, underscoring the collaborative effort to mitigate reliance on any single country.
In response to these developments, China has criticized what it perceives as the formation of exclusive alliances and bloc confrontations, asserting that such actions could destabilize the region.
As the U.S. looks to secure its position in the critical minerals market, the Cook Islands stand at a crossroads, balancing international interest with local governance and environmental considerations. The future of cobalt extraction and the management of these resources will depend on the decisions made by the island's leaders, who are now navigating a complex web of geopolitical interests.