Norway’s plans to begin deep-sea mining in the Arctic were suspended on Sunday after a small leftist party demanded the government scrap its first licensing round in exchange for supporting the national budget.
The Socialist Left Party (SV), which provides parliamentary backing to the minority government, secured the concession as part of budget negotiations, marking a significant setback for Norway’s ambitions to lead in seabed mineral exploration.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere characterized the decision as a “postponement,” saying preparatory work, including environmental impact studies and regulatory development, would continue.
The move comes as a victory for environmental groups who have opposed Norway’s push to open large Arctic areas for mineral exploration in 2025, despite resistance from 32 countries including Germany, France, Canada, and Brazil.
“This is a crucial win in the fight against deep sea mining. It should be the nail in the coffin for the destructive industry,” said Frode Pleym, head of Greenpeace Norway.
The suspension affects at least three Norwegian startups — Loke, Green Minerals, and Adepth — which had planned to participate in the licensing round. The government had previously reported “substantial” deposits of metals and minerals, including copper and rare earth elements, crucial for the green energy transition.
The decision’s permanence remains uncertain, with September elections looming. Two opposition parties leading in polls, the Conservatives and the Progress Party, support deep-sea mining.
“If a new government attempts to reopen the licensing round we will fight relentlessly against it,” Pleym said.
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