On Tuesday, the Storting considered the government's proposal to open an area to mining activities on the Norwegian continental shelf. The Storting decision now takes steps to gradually and responsibly extract minerals from the seabed.
Also read: The history of Norwegian oil in 5 minutes
Since 2017, we have been mapping large areas in the northern Norwegian Sea. We took samples and collected data on minerals and metals found on the seabed. We did this independently and together with professional circles at the universities in Trømso and Bergen - writes the Directorate of the Norwegian Continental Shelf on its website.
– Opening initially means that industrial entities will be there they could receive permits to explore and search for minerals in a limited area, rather than to extract them. More knowledge needs to be gathered and whether it is possible to continue mining in a responsible and sustainable way, says Energy Minister Terje Aasland.
More knowledge is needed before any extraction can be permitted. Any mining plans they have to stay approved by both the Ministry and the Storting. They will only be approved if mining can take place in a sustainable and responsible manner.
A step-by-step, knowledge-based approach
The world needs minerals in the process of moving to low-emission society. Currently, mineral extraction is largely concentrated in a small number of countries or companies. It also often takes place with lower environmental standards and worse labor rights than in Norway. The government will investigate whether Norwegia can contribute responsibly to meeting the world's large mineral needs.
Also read: POLISH Ski Jumping Tournament 2024
– Geopolitical developments highlight the importance of securing supplies of important minerals and metals from several sources and that they come from countries with stable and democratic systems of government, with good rights and worker safety. We are planning a gradual, knowledge-based approach in which environmental protection is of great importance, says Energy Minister Terje Aasland.
Several actors expressed concern about knowledge gaps due to the opening of areas. The Ministry of Energy emphasizes that the conditions for mining are profitability, sustainable development and reliability. This must also be documented in mining plans, including the impact assessment process.
Mineral exploitation will be consistent with international obligations
– I understand the concerns that we do not know enough about the sea and the seabed. There is valuable wildlife hidden on the seabed, and we will learn more about it as we search and map better. The opening does not mean the start of mining. This is the first of many steps forward, with all parts of the process taking a preventive approach. We have a solid track record of technologically leading and safe offshore operations. It also gives us good conditions for success. Norway ensures that the exploitation of seabed minerals will be consistent with international obligations, including the Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Convention on Biological Diversity, Aasland says.
Process for announcing areas to submitting applications and issuing mining permits, the Ministry of Energy will start in 2024.
Like us on Facebook and share our post with others
Source: regjeringen, Sokkeldirektoratet
Also read: POLISH Ski Jumping Tournament 2024
