Norway has decided to halt deep-sea mining plans in Arctic waters until at least 2029. The move, announced on 1 December 2025, is part of a political compromise tied to the 2026 state budget. No new licenses will be issued during the current legislative term, and public funding for seabed mineral mapping will be reduced.
This pause marks a significant shift from earlier plans to open 280,000 square kilometers of the Norwegian continental shelf for mineral activities, with operations originally projected to start around 2030. While the suspension delays commercial mining, it does not constitute a permanent ban, and preparatory research and regulatory work may continue.
In the following sections, we look at how different stakeholders are responding to this decision – from scientists and industry to environmental groups, Indigenous communities, and international actors.
Scientific Community Welcomes Time for Research
Norwegian research institutions have responded positively to the moratorium, emphasizing that the pause provides critical time to address knowledge gaps. The Norwegian Institute of Marine Research reiterated that five to ten more years of study are needed before responsible decisions can be made. Scientists from the University of Bergen’s Centre for Deep-Sea Research and the University of Stavanger noted that further investigation is essential to understand potential impacts on hydrothermal vent ecosystems, sediment plumes, and biodiversity.
Researchers stress that the coming years should be used to develop robust environmental baselines and monitoring frameworks to ensure any future activity is based on sound science.
Industry Concerns and the Green Transition
Industry voices see the decision as a setback for Norway’s role in the global race for critical minerals. Companies argue that the pause could slow efforts to secure resources essential for the green transition – such as copper, zinc, and rare earth elements – used in batteries, wind turbines, and electric vehicles.
Anette Broch, CEO of Bergen-based startup Adepth Minerals, called the moratorium “disappointing but not alarming,” noting that deep-sea mining remains crucial for reducing reliance on land-based mining and securing supply chains. The International Energy Agency estimates that demand for minerals like copper and nickel could double by 2040, adding urgency to the debate over whether Norway can afford to wait.
Environmental Groups Welcome the Pause
Environmental NGOs, including WWF and Greenpeace, have celebrated the moratorium as a “historic victory for nature”.They emphasize that scientific advice and public engagement played a key role in the decision and are now calling for Norway to support a global ban on deep-sea mining.
Sami Voices and Arctic Communities
Sami representatives and other Arctic communities say the pause is a step in the right direction but stress that future decisions must involve meaningful consultation. Concerns center on potential impacts on traditional livelihoods such as fishing and reindeer herding, as well as cultural heritage.
As Ailo Gaup, a spokesperson for the Sami Parliament’s environment committee, noted:
“The Arctic is our home. Even temporary disturbances to marine ecosystems can affect fishing grounds and the broader cultural landscape. We welcome the pause but stress that Indigenous voices must guide future decisions.”
European Parliament and International Context
The European Parliament has been closely monitoring deep-sea mining developments, emphasizing the need for strong environmental safeguards and international cooperation. In recent resolutions, MEPs have called for a precautionary approach to seabed mining, citing biodiversity protection, climate mitigation, and Indigenous rights.
A European Parliament spokesperson commented:
“Norway’s decision to pause deep-sea mining aligns with EU priorities to protect marine ecosystems while developing sustainable supply chains for critical raw materials.”
Looking Ahead
Norway’s moratorium underscores a global dilemma: how to secure minerals for a green transition without harming ocean ecosystems. The next four years could set critical precedents for research, governance, and sustainable alternatives such as increased recycling and responsible land-based mining.
The next few years will reveal whether technological progress can coexist with the preservation of fragile ocean ecosystems – a test of our ability to reconcile the urgent demand for critical minerals with the unknown consequences of disturbing the deep sea.
Lisa Scherk, PolarJournal