Norway deep-sea mining paused until 2029
The Norwegian Government is widely reported as agreeing a moratorium on issuing licences for this practice.
All plans for deep-sea mining in Norwegian Arctic waters will reportedly be halted until at least the end of the current government’s legislative term.
This four-year pause on exploration or extraction activity follows negotiations on a Budget agreement between the governing party and four cooperating parties.
Deep-sea mining plans in Norway and elsewhere have been the subject of protests by environmental organisations, marine scientists, major companies and the European Parliament.
The WWF claims, to date, 40 countries have taken a clear stance against the industry, while the European Commission is calling for a ban until it can be proven that the mining will not harm the marine environment and knowledge gaps are filled on the consequences of the practice.
The metallic nodules sought by deep-sea mining companies are said to be a source of many of the critical minerals needed for batteries, renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, among other growing industries.
