Why does Norway want to Mine the Seabed?

Mining & Minerals - Evaluations / Deep Sea Mining

Klety and Adomaitis reported in mid-September 2023 that Norway may become the first country to start commercial deep sea mining, if parliament approves a government proposal to open an offshore area larger than the United Kingdom, despite international calls for a global moratorium. Parliament is set to discuss the government's bill this autumn.

WHY DOES NORWAY WANT TO EXTRACT SEABED MINERALS?

The government says deep sea mining could help Europe reduce its dependence on China for the supply of critical minerals needed to build electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines and solar panels. It's also a part of Norway's strategy to develop new maritime industries as its top export, oil and gas from offshore, is expected to decline gradually.

WHAT DOES THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSE?

The Labor-led minority government has proposed to open about 280,000 square km (108,000 square miles) of ocean areas between Jan Mayen island and the Svalbard archipelago.