Oslo, Norway – The Norwegian government today released a proposal to open the first licensing round for companies to mine minerals in deep sea areas in the Arctic.[1] In response to the announcement, Haldis Helle, campaigner at Greenpeace Norway, said: 

“Today, the Norwegian Ministry of Energy announced that they want to open up enormous areas for mining on the seabed, contrary to all scientific advice, common sense and a progressive vision of the future. The Institute of Marine Research, the Norwegian Environment Agency and the UN have all warned that this new industry could cause irreversible damage to nature and the climate. We are in the middle of a climate catastrophe and Norway is gambling with fragile ecosystems and our future.”

The proposal sets out initial areas for exploitation licences that make up 38% of the total area proposed in April (this is twice the size of Denmark).[2] It comes despite the uncertainty of deep sea mining consequences to marine life, and the warnings that have come from scientists and the international community. The Norwegian government has presented the proposal today for a 90 day public consultation.

“It’s time to mobilise more than ever to stop deep sea mining and block a handful of governments and companies based in the global north from destroying the future of the oceans. We need to stop deep sea mining,” said Helle. 

ENDS

Notes: 

[1] Norway’s announcement to open the first Arctic areas for deep sea mining – includes map

[2] Norway designates zones for contested deep sea mining

Contacts:

Sol Gosetti, Media Coordinator for the Stop Deep Sea Mining campaign, Greenpeace International: [email protected], +54 (0) 1128313271, WhatsApp +44 (0) 7380845754

Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]

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