By Martin Banks

Campaigners have welcomed a decision by the Norwegian Parliament to stop all plans for deep-sea mining in Arctic waters until the current parliamentary period ends in fall 2029.

During this time, no exploration or exploitation licenses will be issued. The decision also reportedly cuts funding for government mineral mapping, which is seen as being essential to the development of the deep-sea mining industry.

Until now, Norway has been a strong proponent of deep-sea mining, both in its national waters and in international waters at the International Seabed Authority (ISA).

Campaign groups say the new decision aligns with “overwhelming” scientific advice and is a “major blow to the nascent industry’s efforts to gain momentum.”

Commenting, Sofia Tsenikli, DSCC Global Campaign Director, said: “This is a major win for the ocean, climate and nature. Norway’s decision to halt all deep-sea mining exploration and exploitation is another nail in the coffin for the unnecessary, reckless, and highly destructive industry.

“A moratorium is the best way to ensure the deep ocean, and the benefits it provides us all, are safeguarded for generations to come” 

Further reaction comes from Karoline Andaur, CEO of WWF-Norway, who added, “This decision is a historic victory. Norwegian politicians decided to listen to scientific expertise and to the strong public demand to protect the vulnerable deep-sea environment, rather than being swayed by the mining lobby.”

The agreement comes after intense negotiations between Labour, the Socialist Left Party, the Green Party, the Red Party, and the Centre Party.

A larger number of international and domestic experts, including the Norwegian Environment Agency and the Institute of Marine Research have highlighted the “vast knowledge gaps” regarding deep-sea ecosystems and the potentially “irreversible” consequences of seabed mining.

Campaigners say the Environment Agency has concluded that it is “neither environmentally responsible nor legally defensible to move forward with exploration or extraction.”

To date, 40 countries have taken a clear stance against the industry, and the European Parliament has called for a moratorium.

Campaigners say the European Investment Bank has excluded seabed minerals from all financing, while the European Commission is reportedly calling for a ban until it can be proven that mining will not harm the marine environment.

They are, add WWF and DSCC, joined by more than 60 major companies, including Google, BMW and Storebrand, and nearly 1,000 marine scientists from 70 countries “who also warn against opening the deep sea to mining.”

WWF is now calling on Norway to use this four-year halt to take the next step with Andaur adding, “As co-chair of the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, Norway now has a unique opportunity be consistent and stand alongside their co-chair Palau and the 40 countries already supporting a global moratorium or pause on deep seabed mining, turning this national pause into true global ocean leadership.”

The parties have agreed to put together a Transition Commission that will explore the transition of Norwegian economy away from fossil fuels – a major step towards the last chapter of Norwegian oil and gas industry. Nevertheless, no further progress has been made to limit new licensing on oil and gas, says WWF.

Norway is the world’s 11th largest oil and gas producer.

Andaur said, “While the agreement does not invoke limitations to new oil and gas licenses on the Norwegian shelf, the green parties have shown that the need for a faster transition and emissions reductions cannot be ignored. The Transition Commission must be a turning point and the start of a planned and just transition away from oil and gas.”

The DSCC  said it calls on Norway and the wider international community to join the 40 states taking precautionary action, and to formally support a global moratorium/precautionary pause to protect the deep ocean from irreversible harm.