Norway has announced plans to auction 386 blocks for seabed mineral mining early next year, as the government moves toward potentially becoming the first country to carry out seabed mineral extraction. The Ministry of Energy has started the first licensing round and opened a public feedback period that runs until the end of September. The government’s stated timetable is to begin auctions in early 2025.
Licensing round scope in Norwegian waters
The proposal covers 386 blocks within an area of 280,000 square kilometers in Norwegian waters. The zone extends from Svalbard to Iceland and the mainland. Earlier this year, the same area was opened for mineral exploration on the continental shelf.
In the initial auction, the opened area accounts for about 38% of the designated zone. The licensing process is therefore tied to a defined portion of a broader seabed area under consideration.
Government position and parliamentary support
Minister of Energy Terje Aasland said Norway intends to explore seabed mineral extraction in a way that supports the global transition to low-emission economies. He also pointed to broad parliamentary support for opening the area. The minister cited Norway’s history of managing natural resources responsibly.
The government has indicated that additional steps are required before any exploration can proceed, including further impact assessments and parliamentary approvals.
Environmental criticism and EU scrutiny
The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from environmental advocates, including Norway’s branch of the WWF. The group condemned the decision as environmentally irresponsible and warned it could harm marine ecosystems. Their position is that once licenses are awarded, stopping future exploration would be difficult.
The concerns have been raised alongside objections from national and international experts. The approach is also described as facing scrutiny from the European Union, while Norway continues with its licensing and auction plans subject to further assessments and approvals.
Next steps after public consultation
The government’s process includes a public consultation period ending at the end of September. Decisions following that consultation are expected to shape how seabed resource management and environmental conservation are handled in subsequent stages.
The debate reflects Norway’s role both as an early mover on seabed mining initiatives and as a focus of international attention regarding environmental stewardship.