A historic victory: Norway halts plans for deep seabed mining in the Arctic

“This decision is a historic victory. Norwegian politicians decided to listen to scientific expertise and to the strong public demand to protect the vulnerable deep-sea environment, rather than being swayed by the mining lobby,” says Karoline Andaur, CEO of WWF-Norway.

The agreement comes after intense negotiations between Labour, the Socialist Left Party, the Green Party, the Red Party, and the Centre Party. Labour, which leads the government, did not have a majority on its own and needed support from the other parties to secure the budget.

A larger number of international and domestic experts, including the Norwegian Environment Agency and the Institute of Marine Research have highlighted the vast knowledge gaps regarding deep-sea ecosystems and the potentially irreversible consequences of seabed mining. The Environment Agency has concluded that it is neither environmentally responsible nor legally defensible to move forward with exploration or extraction.

To date, 40 countries have taken a clear stance against the industry, and the European Parliament has called for a moratorium. The European Investment Bank has excluded seabed minerals from all financing, while the European Commission is calling for a ban until it can be proven that mining will not harm the marine environment. They are joined by more than 60 major companies, including Google, BMW and Storebrand, and nearly 1,000 marine scientists from 70 countries who also warn against opening the deep sea to mining.

WWF now calls on Norway to use this four-year halt to take the next step.

“As co-chair of the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, Norway now has a unique opportunity be consistent and stand alongside their co-chair Palau and the 40 countries already supporting a global moratorium or pause on deep seabed mining, turning this national pause into true global ocean leadership,” says Andaur.

The parties have agreed to put together a Transition Commission that will explore the transition of Norwegian economy away from fossil fuels - a major step towards the last chapter of Norwegian oil and gas industry. Nevertheless, no further progress has been made to limit new licensing on oil and gas. As Norway is the world’s 11. largest oil and gas producer, contributing to large emissions globally, fossil fuel phase out has been central to discussions and the reason why the Green Party and the Socialist Left Party left negotiations this weekend. Today, the parties have agreed to have experts, unions and civil society give their opinion and explore the route towards Norway’s fossil fuel transition.

“While the agreement does not invoke limitations to new oil and gas licenses on the Norwegian shelf, the green parties have shown that the need for a faster transition and emissions reductions cannot be ignored. The Transition Commission must be a turning point and the start of a planned and just transition away from oil and gas.” says Andaur.

For further information, please contact:

Elena Solberg
Media Relations Manager, WWF-Norway
esolberg@wwf.no
+47 48204130