Plans to deep sea mine the Pacific Ocean for mineral-rich 'nodules' are dividing the region.
While questions remain over the environmental impact, some countries struggling financially are more open to the proposed practice.
The nodules contain minerals like cobalt, manganese, copper and nickel.
Extraction has never been done on a commercial scale, so little is known about how it will affect fisheries or already fragile ecosystems.
The Cook Islands has given three companies exploration licenses to determine the feasibility of the practice.
"We want to be sure that before we make any decisions and allow these activities to go to the extraction phase, we fully appreciate that those environmental impacts can be managed," said Alex Herman of the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority.
Locals who rely on the ocean are worried the economic benefits will become the priority.
"For me it's not just about the money. I just hope the government has the wisdom to make the right decision for the people here," said Ngametua Mamanu of Tumutoa Tours.
Cash-strapped Kiribati has also been looking into deep sea mining.
"We are studying the proposal very quickly, and I think something positive may come out, who knows," said Kiribati president Taneti Maamau.
However, environmental groups are urging Pacific nations to be cautious.
Greenpace campaigner James Hita said that destroying the last great frontier on the planet is not the way to move forward.
"We are not in a position to tell sovereign nations what to do or not to do. I really want them to consider the trans-boundary impacts that deep sea mining will have on the ocean we all share."
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