Norwegian and US authorities agree to enter into formal negotiations on strategic minerals cooperation. The agreement was reached after Business Minister Jan Christian Vestre's visit to the White House in Washington on Wednesday.
Strategic cooperation between Norway and the USA in the field of minerals
– I am glad that we managed to reach negotiations on strategic cooperation in the field of minerals and I hope that within a few weeks we will be able to start concrete talks - says Minister of Industry Jan Christian Vestre.
On Wednesday Minister of Trade met with Deputy National Security Advisor Daleep Singh, who holds the second post in the White House under National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, responsible for international economics and trade. Vestre had previously held several meetings with the National Security Council.
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Huge importance for jobs in Norwegian exports
– Norway and the US are close allies, and formalized cooperation on minerals will provide more predictable access to raw materials, while also having a huge impact on jobs in Norwegian exports, says Vestre.
Norway exports critical minerals, such as cobalt and nickel, zinc, aluminum and titanium. Critical minerals are used, among others, for the production of batteries and wind turbines.
Norway as a serious actor and partner
Three-sided Norwegian cooperation and the Norwegian model are in line with the conditions emphasized in Washington to present Norway as a serious cooperation partner. LO leader Peggy Hessen Følsvik and NHO head Ole Erik Almlid take part in meetings with the US authorities in Washington.
Norway and the US agree that cooperation on stable critical minerals value chains must include high-quality labor rights as well as climate and environmental considerations.
– During meetings with the American authorities, it is important to present Norway as a serious cooperation partner. The unique tripartite collaboration shows how workers' rights, the environment and the ecological transition can be advanced together, says Vestre.
– That's good news, that Norway and the US will begin formal negotiations on strategic cooperation in the field of minerals. This is important for the mineral industry in Norway and we hope it will deliver Norwegian companies market access. We have unique mineral resources that will be important for the energy transition, says Ole Erik Almlid, director general of NHO.
– Minerals are absolutely essential for the green transition, and Norway has large mineral resources. Negotiations on strategic cooperation in the field of minerals with the USA were very positive. It contributes to both the development of ecological value chains and jobs, says LO leader Peggy Hessen Følsvik.
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Source: regjeringen, Photo: NFD
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