The Norwegian Government has halted its plans to issue deep-sea mining exploration permits, originally scheduled for the first half of 2025, reported Reuters.
This decision comes as a result of the Socialist Left (SV) party, an environmentalist group outside the governing coalition, supporting the government budget in return for suspension of the inaugural licensing round.
The halt follows increasing global calls for a moratorium on deep seabed mining, as scientists and conservationists warn it could cause permanent damage to marine life.
SV party leader Kirsti Bergstoe was quoted by the news agency as saying: “We are stopping plans to open mining on the sea bed.”
In June 2024, the Norwegian Ministry of Energy announced plans to award exploration permits for Arctic seabed mining by the first half of 2025.
Said to be rich in sulphide and manganese crusts, the area for exploration is situated between Norway and Greenland.
This region is estimated to hold up to 45 million tonnes (mt) of zinc and around 38mt of cobalt, as per a paper released by the government last June.
For the initial licensing round, the Norwegian Government selected 386 blocks.
Despite the postponement, the government intends to continue preparatory work including the development of regulations and environmental impacts assessment.
Norway Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said to private broadcaster TV2: “This will be a postponement.”
Norway is planning to open large parts of its Arctic region for its first seabed licensing round next year.
The move is opposed by environmental groups and a coalition of 32 countries including Germany, France, Canada and Brazil.
Norwegian companies such as Loke, Green Minerals and Adepth had expressed their intention to participate in the anticipated licensing round.
Commenting on the latest move, WWF-Norway CEO Karoline Andaur said: “This is a major and important environmental victory.
“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.”
