Norway has large mineral deposits that will be important in the green shift. In the state budget for 2023, the government allocated 10 million NOK for mapping mineral resources. The government wants to accelerate the development of the industry and proposes to allocate an additional CZK 20 million for the implementation of the future mineral strategy.
“There will be a huge demand for critical minerals and metals in Norway and Europe for many years to come, and we have great potential for further mining and production. In order to further exploit Norway's potential and facilitate a more sustainable mineral industry, there is a need for more mapping and research efforts, says Industry Minister Jan Christian Vestre.
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Increased and safer access to key minerals and metals is a green prerequisite changing and ensuring robust industrial value chains in Norway and Europe. Further use of the Norwegian industrial potential requires intensified exploration and cartographic activities.
– Good geological data is a prerequisite for private exploration and surveying companies to conduct precise research. Therefore, we propose to allocate NOK 10 million to Norwegian geological surveys to increase the mapping of Norwegian mineral resources and target them specifically at critical minerals, says Vestre.
Further research is needed
More research is needed in several areas to facilitate balanced mineral nutrition. Therefore, the government is also offering the Norwegian Research Council NOK 5 million to study the need for more knowledge and research in this field.
– Environmental and social sustainability, technology and the circular economy are areas where knowledge and further research are needed. Solutions to sustainability challenges are absolutely essential to ensure long-term growth opportunities. This requires us to spend more money on research, says the business minister.
Mineral strategy just around the corner
The future mineral industry in Norway will be different from mineral extraction in other parts of the world. Public and industrial access to critical minerals and metals is one of the areas addressed by the new strategy. In the revised state budget, the government also proposes an additional NOK 5 million for the actions included in the strategy.
“Our ambition is for Norway to have the most sustainable mineral industry in the world. Work on this strategy is large and comprehensive. I am determined to bring industry, local communities and the environmental movement together, and we need to consider how to create the conditions for the growth of the Norwegian mineral industry, focusing on environmental and social issues. This strategy will show the way for the industry and will defend itself in the future, says the business minister.
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Source: regjeringen
