Norway Authorizes Seabed Mining, Igniting Global Controversy

The decision, a first of its kind, could trigger a global race for strategic minerals and has raised environmental and geopolitical concerns.

Norway has become the first country to formally authorize seabed mining activities in its waters, potentially triggering a global race for strategic minerals such as cobalt and nickel used in EV batteries and other green technologies.
The decision goes against the advice of government scientists and has intensified global tensions over strip-mining biodiverse deep ocean ecosystems.
Scientists and several nations have called for a moratorium on seabed mining, citing a lack of data on its environmental and climate impacts.
Norwegian deep-sea mining company Loke Marine Minerals plans to apply for an exploration permit, with mining potentially starting in 2032.
The decision could have geopolitical implications, with states like Russia and China potentially establishing their own deep-sea mining practices.