Norway Suspends Plans for Deep-Sea Mining Licences Amid Environmental Concerns

Norway has decided to suspend plans to issue licences for deep-sea mining in 2024, following opposition from environmental groups and international institutions. This decision was announced by the Socialist Left Party, a key ally of the centre-left minority government, on Sunday. The suspension was agreed upon in exchange for the party's support of the government’s 2025 budget.

Norway, Western Europe's largest oil and gas producer, had intended to be among the first countries to grant mining rights for tens of thousands of square kilometers of seabed. The suspended plan would have involved approximately 280,000 square kilometers (108,000 square miles) of seabed in the Norwegian Sea and Greenland Sea, of which 38% was slated for licensing in 2025.

“There will be no announcement of exploration rights for deep-sea mining in 2024 or 2025,” the Socialist Left Party stated. While Norway's energy ministry has yet to comment, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoer indicated that the delay is only temporary, adding, “We should be able to accept that.”

Norway has expressed concerns about relying on China for minerals that are crucial for renewable energy technologies. The country believes that its continental shelf contains valuable resources such as copper, cobalt, zinc, and rare earth elements, all of which are essential for producing batteries, wind turbines, computers, and mobile phones.

Deep-sea mining has been highly controversial due to its potential impact on vulnerable marine ecosystems. Environmentalists have raised concerns about the threat to sea habitats, noise and light pollution from mining machinery, and the risk of chemical leaks. Although the Norwegian government had promised strong safeguards, including provisions to revoke licences if necessary, many stakeholders remained opposed to the plan.

International opposition to deep-sea mining came from scientists, NGOs, multinational corporations, and bodies like the European Parliament. Last Thursday, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) launched legal action against the sale of mining rights, and it welcomed the suspension in a statement to AFP. However, the WWF affirmed that it would continue its legal challenge against the government’s original decision.

Greenpeace Norway also celebrated the suspension. Frode Pleym, head of Greenpeace Norway, called the announcement “a crucial win in the fight against deep-sea mining,” and added, “It should be the nail in the coffin for the destructive industry.”