Quick summary:
• Norway has halted plans for deep-sea mining in the Arctic Ocean until at least 2025, following pressure from the Socialist Left Party (SV) in exchange for supporting the national budget.
• The original proposal would have opened 280,000 sq km of Arctic seabed—an area larger than the UK—for mining precious metals critical for renewable technologies.
• Environmentalists and scientists warned that mining could devastate marine ecosystems, disrupt biodiversity, and drive species to extinction before they are studied.
• Thirty-two countries, 100 EU parliamentarians, and 911 marine scientists have called for a global moratorium on deep-sea mining, amplifying international opposition.
• Environmental groups like WWF and Greenpeace celebrated the pause but cautioned it is only temporary, as preparatory work and political support for mining continue.
• Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere described the halt as “a postponement,” with both ruling and opposition parties supporting deep-sea mining in the future.
• Activists urge Norway to turn this pause into permanent legal protections for Arctic waters and join the global movement for a moratorium on deep-sea mining.
Norway’s decision to halt deep-sea mining plans in the Arctic Ocean has been celebrated as a significant environmental victory. The move, secured by the Socialist Left (SV) Party, has prevented the issuance of mining licenses until at least 2025, marking a temporary pause in what activists and scientists describe as a catastrophic threat to marine ecosystems. However, this suspension does not mark the end of the struggle, as preparatory work continues, and political support for mining remains strong in Norway.
The initial proposal, approved in January, would have made Norway the first country to begin commercial-scale deep-sea mining. Covering 280,000 square kilometers—an area larger than the United Kingdom—the plan aimed to extract critical minerals such as lithium, scandium, and cobalt, which are essential for renewable energy technologies. The Norwegian government argued the initiative was necessary to reduce reliance on China, the global leader in these materials.
However, scientists and environmentalists warned that such operations could devastate Arctic marine ecosystems. Hydrothermal vents in the proposed mining zones are home to unique species that have yet to be fully studied. Mining these areas could drive some species to extinction before their ecological roles are understood. Additional concerns include widespread disruption to marine biodiversity and intensified stress on ecosystems already impacted by climate change and ocean acidification.
“The Arctic Ocean is one of the last pristine frontiers on Earth, and its fragile ecosystems are already under significant stress from the climate crisis,” said Steve Trent, CEO of the Environmental Justice Foundation. “The idea of subjecting these waters to the destructive, needless practice of deep-sea mining was a grave threat, not only to the marine life depending on them but to the global community as a whole.”
The turning point came as the SV Party negotiated a halt to the licensing process in exchange for supporting Norway’s 2025 budget. Party leader Kirsti Bergstø confirmed that no licenses would be approved before the parliamentary elections in September 2025. While activists applauded this development, the Norwegian government maintained that this was merely a postponement.
“This puts a stop to the plans to start deep-sea mining until the end of the government’s term,” Bergstø stated.
Global opposition to deep-sea mining played a critical role in amplifying pressure on Norway. Thirty-two countries, including France, Canada, and Germany, have called for a moratorium on the practice. Over 100 EU parliamentarians wrote to Norway, urging rejection of its plans, citing risks to marine biodiversity and climate change acceleration. Additionally, 911 marine scientists joined the call for a global ban, emphasizing the unknown long-term consequences of seabed mining.
Environmental organizations, including the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Greenpeace, celebrated the halt as a victory for conservation. “This is a major and important environmental victory!” said WWF-Norway CEO Karoline Andaur. “SV has stopped the process for deep seabed mining, giving Norway a unique opportunity to save its international ocean reputation and gain the necessary knowledge before we even consider mining the planet’s last untouched wilderness.”
Greenpeace Nordic’s Haldis Tjeldflaat Helle echoed this sentiment, stating, “After hard work from activists, environmentalists, scientists, and fishermen, we have secured a historic win for ocean protection, as the opening process for deep-sea mining in Norway has been stopped.”
Despite these celebrations, significant challenges remain. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere described the development as “a postponement,” noting that preparatory work on regulations and environmental impact assessments would continue. Both the Labour and Center parties currently in power support mining, as do the leading opposition parties—the Conservatives and Progress Party. This bipartisan support raises concerns that deep-sea mining could resume after the 2025 elections.
Corporate interests add to the uncertainty. Norwegian companies like Green Minerals have expressed optimism about a quick resumption, anticipating only a brief delay in the licensing process. The ongoing push for resource extraction underscores Norway’s reliance on ocean-based industries, which environmentalists argue extends beyond mining.
“Unfortunately, we have not seen similar efforts to curtail the Norwegian oil industry, which is still getting new licenses to operate in Norwegian waters, including very vulnerable parts of the Arctic,” said Andaur. “Norway needs to explore new ways to make money without extracting fossil fuels and destroying nature.”
The decision also carries global implications for the movement to end deep-sea mining. Activists hope Norway’s pause will inspire other nations to adopt moratoriums and strengthen calls for international cooperation on ocean conservation. Greenpeace’s Louisa Casson said, “This is a huge step forward to protect the Arctic, and now it is time for Norway to join over 30 nations calling for a moratorium and be a true ocean champion.”
While environmental advocates celebrate this moment, they stress that it should not mark the end of the fight. Steve Trent cautioned, “While today is a cause for celebration, this victory must not be seen as the end of the struggle.” He emphasized the need for legal protections to ensure that the Arctic Ocean and other vulnerable ecosystems are safeguarded for future generations.
“Today, thanks to the SV Party and all those around the world who spoke up against this decision, the ocean has won. Now, let’s ensure this victory lasts,” Trent concluded.
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