Norway poised to pioneer controversial deep-sea mining amid environmental concerns

Norway is on the brink of becoming the world’s first country to embrace large-scale deep-sea mining, as a parliamentary vote on Tuesday is expected to greenlight the controversial initiative. This move aims to expedite the extraction of precious metals crucial for green technologies but has raised alarms among environmental scientists warning of potential devastation to marine life. The parliamentary vote primarily pertains to Norwegian waters, yet there is a possibility of an agreement on mining in international waters later this year. Having secured cross-party backing in late 2023, the proposal is anticipated to pass smoothly, as the Norwegian government assures a cautious approach, committing to issuing licenses only after further environmental studies. The deep sea, hosting valuable minerals like lithium, scandium, and cobalt in potato-sized rocks known as nodules and crusts, is a key target for clean technologies, including batteries. Norway’s proposal plans to open up a substantial 280,000 sq km of its national waters, exceeding the size of the UK, for companies to apply for mining. Despite these minerals being available on land, concentration in a few countries poses a supply risk. The Democratic Republic of Congo, a major cobalt reserve holder, faces conflict in some regions, highlighting the vulnerability of such supply chains. Walter Sognnes, co-founder of Norwegian mining company Loke Minerals, acknowledges the need for extensive exploration and mapping activities before mining begins, emphasising a commitment to understanding the deep ocean’s environmental impact. However, critics, including Martin Webeler from the Environmental Justice Foundation, argue that opening up a new industry is “catastrophic” for the ocean habitat. They urge mining companies to focus on preventing environmental damage in existing operations. The proposal places Norway at odds with the EU and the UK, both advocating for a temporary ban on deep-sea mining due to environmental concerns. Potential noise, light pollution, and habitat damage are cited by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as potential side effects of harvesting minerals from the sea floor. The Norwegian government faces opposition from within its own ranks, with the Norway Institute of Marine Research (IMR) suggesting more research into the impacts on species is needed. The government emphasizes a precautionary approach, stating that opening areas for activity doesn’t equate to approving seabed mineral extraction. Companies seeking to drill in Norwegian waters will need to submit detailed proposals, including environmental assessments, subject to case-by-case approval by parliament. Marianne Sivertsen Næss, chair of The Standing Committee on Energy and the Environment, emphasizes the government’s precautionary stance, highlighting the lack of current knowledge for seabed mineral extraction. While critics argue for increased investment in recycling existing minerals, proponents, like Mr. Sognnes, anticipate the government’s plan to attract private-sector investment for deep marine environment research. Actual extraction is not expected until the early 2030s, providing time for further exploration and understanding of potential environmental impacts. While Norway’s proposal pertains to its national waters, ongoing negotiations will determine whether licenses could be issued for international seas. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is set to finalize rules in 2025, with over 30 countries favoring a ban, counteracted by countries like China eager to proceed with deep-sea mining.