Thorburn appointed Natural Resource Advisor
The Hon. Tom J. Marsters, as Minister for Minerals and Natural Resources, has notified the Commonwealth Secretariat in London that the Cook Islands Government formally endorses the application of Mr Daryl Thorburn, for the new position of Natural Resources Adviser for the Cook Islands.
Mr. Thorburn is a highly qualified and experienced geologist, originally from New Zealand. He has considerable high-level work experience in mining and development issues in the region and internationally. The Minister anticipates that suitable arrangements can now be finalised by the Commonwealth Secretariat for Mr. Thorburn to commence working in the Cook Islands before the end of this year.
The Commonwealth Secretariat has been assisting the Cook Islands to establish its new Deep Sea Mining sector. This fast developing sector is anticipated in the future to reap substantial financial benefits for the Cook Islands from the harvesting of the rich manganese nodule resources on the seabed under Cook Islands jurisdiction.
The appointment to the position of Natural Resource Adviser is part of Government’s long-term plan to seek the best advice and support for the development of the Deep Sea Mining sector in a steady, environmentally sustainable and effective manner, for the mutual benefit of the Cook Islands and its development and investment partners.
The next appointment, as required under the Seabed Mining Act 2009, will be that of a suitable person to the position of “Seabed Minerals Commissioner”, who will lead the further development of the seabed mining sector in the Cook Islands.
The position of Natural Resource Adviser was advertised internationally by the Commonwealth Secretariat, which coordinated the pre-selection phase, with the final endorsement now being given by Government.
The Minister has taken a great interest in the careful selection processes, in terms of the concerted international advertising for and short-listing of suitably qualified and experienced candidates.
The Minister believes that the Cook Islands can take great assurance in the excellent efforts and support of the Commonwealth Secretariat in this important task. He is certain that, with the assistance of the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Cook Islands has been able to locate the very best person to fill the position of Natural Resource Adviser.
This position is generously funded by the Commonwealth Secretariat for two years. The Adviser will be responsible to the Minister and the Seabed Mining Taskforce Chairman, Mr. Ben Ponia, who is also the Secretary of Marine Resources. Filling this position is seen as a key, foundational step to the future success of the development of the frontier sector of Deep Sea Mining and Natural Resources in the Cook Islands’ vast and mineral-rich Exclusive Economic Zone.
The Minister looks forward in the near future to advising of the further steps taken in order to complete this appointment.
The Hon. Tom J. Marsters,
Minister for Minerals and Natural Resources

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