Norway Greenlights Deep-Sea Mining Despite Environmental Concerns
Norway has become the first country to approve commercial-scale deep-sea mining, with the Norwegian parliament voting to open national waters for exploration. Covering an extensive area of 280,000 sq km, larger than the UK, this decision has raised concerns among environmentalists and scientists.
The project aims to extract valuable minerals like lithium, scandium, and cobalt, essential for green technologies. While supporters argue that deep-sea mining could accelerate the shift to a low-carbon economy, critics emphasise its potentially devastating impact on marine life. The decision places Norway at odds with the EU and the UK, who are both advocating for a temporary ban due to environmental risks.
Despite positioning itself as a pioneer in deep-sea mining, Norway faces a divided international community. The EU and over 30 countries are advocating for a ban, expressing concerns about noise and light pollution, as well as habitat damage. The International Seabed Authority (ISA), a UN-affiliated body, is set to finalise rules on international deep-sea mining this year, with a conclusive vote in 2025.
Norwegian mining companies, such as Loke Minerals, plan to explore this uncharted territory with caution. Walter Sognnes, co-founder of Loke Minerals, recognises the need for extensive research before extraction. He states they will dedicate a significant period to explore and map the area, aiming to minimise the environmental impact.
In response to environmental concerns, the Norwegian government has stated that licences for drilling will only be issued after companies submit proposals, including thorough environmental assessments. The decision aligns with the government's aim to implement high environmental standards.
Still, the move faces criticism from within Norway, including its own experts at the Norway Institute of Marine Research, who argue that further five to 10 years of research is needed to understand the impacts on marine species.
