On 27 December 2013, the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC), which is a Cook Islands state enterprise, submitted an application for approval of a plan of work for exploration for polymetallic nodules in a reserved area. The application is sponsored by the Government of the Cook Islands, The area under application is the reserved area portion of the G-TEC Sea Mineral Resources NV claim area in the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone of the Pacific Ocean approved in July 2012.
In accordance with the Regulations on Prospecting and Exploration for Polymetallic Nodules in the Area, the members of the Legal and Technical Commission will be notified of the above application and consideration of this application will be placed on the agenda of the Commission at its next meeting, which is scheduled to commence on 3 February 2014.