Norwegian deep-sea mining hits unexpected roadblock from small political party
Small environmentalist party blocks Norwayʼs plans to start deep-sea mining in Arctic waters. Political deal puts first-ever seabed exploration permits on hold while prep-work continues
A tiny left-wing party changed Norways deep-sea mining future last winter when it blocked the governments first-ever seabed exploration plans (which shows how small political groups can affect big decisions)
The SV party used its budget-support position to make the minority government cancel its up-coming licensing round. Kirsti Bergstoe‚ the SV leader made it clear: theyʼre stopping all seabed mining plans
Jonas Gahr Stoere‚ the prime-minister tried to down-play this set-back saying its just a delay; the prep-work and environmental studies will still go on. Norway which got super-rich from oil wanted to be first in line for ocean-floor metals that clean-energy needs
This is a crucial win in the fight against deep sea mining. It should be the nail in the coffin for this destructive industry
The government wanted to open big Arctic areas for mining despite 32 countries being against it. The whole thing might change again though - polls show pro-mining parties could win in last Septembers election
Three sea-bed focused start-ups (Loke Adepth and Green Minerals) had big plans to join the licensing round. Official data from bout a year ago showed lots of good stuff down there: copper rare-earths and other in-demand metals
