Norway's Arctic Seabed Mining Plans Spark Environmental Concerns

Greenpeace warns of irreversible damage to marine ecosystems as Norway prepares to issue exploration licenses in 2025.

Greenpeace has released a report highlighting the potential irreversible harm to biodiversity from Norway's deep sea mining plans in the Arctic.
Norwegian authorities argue that mining is essential for securing minerals needed for renewable technologies and reducing reliance on countries like China.
Critics, including environmental groups and the European Parliament, are calling for a moratorium on deep sea mining due to the risks to marine life and habitats.
Norway plans to open a 281,000-square-kilometer zone in the Norwegian and Greenland Seas for mineral prospecting, with the first permits expected to be awarded in early 2025.
Norwegian officials emphasize that any exploitation will only proceed after sustainable methods are established and approved by the government and parliament.