AVARUA, Cook Islands -- Hans Smit, CEO of Moana Minerals, placed a bucket on a table. It was full of what looked like irregular black golf balls. The balls were heavy but surprisingly fragile, shedding thin flakes at the touch of a hand.
Materials
Cook Islands poised to become deep-sea mining leader
Backers say industry will spur green transition but critics fret over environment
Boys play across from the bright orange Anuanua Moana, a ship that explores the mineral-rich seabeds off the Cook Islands. (Photo by Per Elinder Liljas)
Read Next
Latest on Materials
