The Norwegian parliament has voted to approve deep sea mining, a controversial practice that involves extracting minerals from the seabed. The decision has been met with criticism from environmental groups, who warn that deep-sea mining could damage fragile ecosystems.
Norway’s parliament voted 80-20 in favor of allowing commercial deep-sea mining on Tuesday, marking a potential global first. This move, however, has raised alarms among scientists who caution about its harmful impact on marine life. The European Union and the UK, citing environmental worries, had called for a temporary ban on the mining.
The proposal, backed by cross-party support, aims to expedite the exploration of minerals. It includes precious metals crucial for green technologies. Although initially limited to Norwegian waters, the decision could expose an expansive area, larger than Britain, to potential mining. Companies can now apply for licenses to extract minerals like lithium, scandium, and cobalt. Talks on international deep-sea mining agreements may follow later this year.
The Norwegian government faced immediate criticism from environmental groups, with Greenpeace calling it a “shameful day” for the country. The WWF expressed a “small glimmer of hope” as extraction licenses still require parliamentary approval, a safeguard added after international objections.
While the government confirmed the parliament’s approval for exploration, it remained tight-lipped about further comments. The energy department clarified that though deep-sea mining had essentially been approved, no companies had received approval yet. Applications for mining licenses will undergo evaluation by the Energy Department and return to parliament.
The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) deemed the decision an “irrevocable black mark” on Norway’s reputation as an environmentally responsible nation. EJF’s chief executive urged against deep-sea mining, emphasizing its potential harm to unique wildlife and the disruption of the ocean’s significant carbon store.
A report from EJF, released on the same day, argued against the necessity of deep-sea mining for a clean energy transition. It suggested that advancements in a circular economy, technology, and recycling could substantially reduce mineral demand by 58% between 2022 and 2050.
The International Seabed Authority is scheduled to finalize rules on deep-sea mining later this year, with a vote expected next year. The Norwegian decision stands out as a contentious step towards embracing deep-sea mining, despite global environmental concerns.
