Cook Islands PM defends seabed mining plan

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown is defending issuing exploration licenses for seabed mining. Mr Brown has accused foreign leaders who are calling for a ban of being "hypocritical" and “ironic”. New Zealand is one of a dozen countries backing a conditional moratorium on mining in international waters. However, Mr Brown insists his jurisdiction could be world-leading in the sustainable mining of the metals which are needed to support the transition to green energy.