Norway's parliament has approved a groundbreaking plan to open up a vast 280,000-square-kilometer area of its seabed for mining exploration, marking a significant move towards becoming the world's first nation to undertake large-scale deep-sea mining on a commercial scale. The decision, supported by 80 votes in favor and 20 against, comes despite protests from activists and concerns raised by environmental scientists about the uncertain environmental impact of the project. The proposal aims to extract precious metals crucial for green technologies, such as lithium, scandium, and cobalt, which are vital for the production of batteries.

rtr: Norway parliament votes in favour of seabed mining, as expected - Norway's parliament on Tuesday voted in favour of allowing Arctic seabed mineral exploration, in line with a deal reached between the government and key opposition parties last monthhttps://t.co/4CJ0h9Blni

— Heiko Stubner (@hstubner) January 9, 2024

This move has sparked controversy, as environmental scientists warn of potential devastation to marine life and international calls for a moratorium on such activities. However, Energy Minister Terje Aasland has defended the decision, stating that the government aims to see if deep-sea mining can be done in a sustainable manner. The plan involves granting exclusive rights to companies for exploration and potential extraction through a structured application process, drawing inspiration from Norway's established model for oil and gas exploration. While the government insists on a cautious approach and more stringent environmental survey requirements during the exploration phase, critics argue that opening up a new industry is catastrophic for the ocean habitat.

The proposal has also put Norway at odds with the EU and the UK, both advocating for a temporary ban on deep-sea mining due to environmental concerns. With actual extraction not expected until the early 2030s, the government has emphasized a precautionary approach and the need for extensive exploration and mapping activities before mining begins. The proposal places a spotlight on the balance between securing critical minerals for green technologies and potential environmental impacts, as Norway becomes a pioneer in the controversial field of deep-sea mining.