Norway Approves Commercial-Scale Deep-Sea Mining

Decision Faces Opposition Over Potential Irreversible Damage to Marine Life

Norway has become the first country to approve commercial-scale deep-sea mining, opening up 280,000 square kilometers of its northern waters for potential mining.
The Norwegian government estimates that the seabed contains millions of metric tons of copper, cobalt, zinc, and thousands of tons of rare earth minerals, valued at almost $100 billion.
These minerals are in high demand for the production of technology like smartphones, electric vehicles, batteries, and solar panels.
However, the decision has been met with strong opposition from environmentalists and scientists who warn of potentially irreversible damage to marine life.
More than 800 scientists have signed an open letter in support of a pause on deep sea mining, warning of potentially irreversible damage to the ecosystem.