Norway’s approval of deep-sea mining in the Arctic Ocean has sparked controversy and opposition from environmental advocates. WWF-Norway’s chief executive, Karoline Andaur, criticized the government for potentially violating Norwegian law by allowing mineral exploration on the seabed without properly assessing the consequences.
Despite global appeals for a temporary ban on deep-sea mining, Norway has become the first country to approve commercial mineral exploration on the Arctic continental shelf. The planned activities will cover 280,000 square km of the nation’s Arctic waters, with the first licenses expected to be issued in 2025.
WWF has raised concerns about the government’s decision, stating that the assessment by the Norwegian energy ministry did not meet the minimum requirements outlined in the country’s Seabed Minerals Act. However, at least two companies have already applied for licenses to engage in deep-sea mining in the region.
Advocates of deep-sea mining argue that extracting raw materials from the seafloor could facilitate a faster transition to a low-carbon economy. However, scientists and environmental groups are worried about the potential impact on marine ecosystems, which are already facing threats from pollution, trawling, and climate change.
Pressure from environmental groups has led to legal battles, with Greenpeace Nordic and Young Friends of the Earth Norway taking their case to the European Court of Human Rights. The groups have been fighting against new oil drilling and now deep-sea mining, emphasizing the need to protect the fragile Arctic environment for future generations.
