Budget deal links support to cancellation of first Arctic licensing round
A Norwegian left-wing environmental party, the Socialist Left Party (SV), secured a change to the government’s Arctic deep-sea mining plans through negotiations over the national budget. The SV demanded that the government cancel its first licensing round in exchange for supporting the budget. Kirsti Bergstø, the party leader, announced that the arrangement had effectively stopped the government’s deep-sea mining plans.
The government, led by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of the Labour Party, confirmed that while mining exploration permits would be delayed, preparatory work would continue. Officials said steps such as creating regulations and mapping environmental impacts would still move forward. The SV’s agreement was reached with a minority government that includes Labour and the Centre Party.
Planned 2025 licensing round drew opposition from groups and countries
Norway had been preparing to launch its first licensing round for deep-sea mining exploration in the Arctic in 2025. The stated aim was to access metals needed for green technologies. Before the budget-linked decision, the plan faced opposition from environmental organizations including Greenpeace.
Criticism also came from a coalition of 32 countries, which included Germany, France, Canada, and Brazil. The coalition cited concerns about potential environmental consequences associated with deep-sea mining activities. The response reflected broader scrutiny of how seabed extraction could affect marine ecosystems.
Greenpeace says pause is significant; election could affect next steps
Greenpeace’s Frode Pleym described the outcome as a crucial victory in efforts to oppose deep-sea mining. He characterized it as a potential turning point for the industry. Under the SV’s deal with the minority government, cancellation of the licensing round is set to apply at least for now.
Future policy direction may depend on political developments ahead of elections in September 2025. Two opposition parties—the Conservatives and the Progress Party—have expressed support for pursuing deep-sea mining. Greenpeace has said it will oppose any attempt to restart the licensing round after that point.