Soft creatures from the deep would be impacted by deep sea mining. Norway will accelerate the hunt for precious metals which are in high demand for green technologies.
Deep sea mining is catastrophic for sea creatures, plants and their surrounding ecosystems. Knowing this Norway has still decided to go ahead with the commercial practice. Swiss-based WWF has decided to sue the Government of Norway through its Norway-based NGO WWF-Norway.
“We believe the government is violating Norwegian law by now opening up for a new and potentially destructive industry without adequately assessing the consequences. It will set a dangerous precedent if we allow the government to ignore its own rules, override all environmental advice, and manage our common natural resources blindly,” says WWF-Norway CEO Karoline Andaur.
The government was given a two-week deadline to respond to the notice of the lawsuit when it was first launched in April, but failed to reply. “We hoped the notice of a lawsuit would prompt the government to reconsider and withdraw its controversial decision. Unfortunately, WWF-Norway sees no other options but to proceed with legal action,” says Andaur.
No legal basis for opening decision
WWF-Norway believes that the strategic impact assessment by the Ministry of Energy, which underpins the government’s decision, fails to meet the minimum requirements of the Subsea Minerals Act 2-2. Consequently, there is no legal basis for the decision to open these areas for mining activity. This concern was also highlighted by the government expert body, the Norwegian Environment Agency, in its public consultation response.
Significant international opposition
Norway is among the first countries to open areas for seabed mining, despite warnings from national and international experts, as well as significant criticism from the EU and global research communities. A Canadian company is also trying to kickstart deep sea mining.
“While other countries opt for a moratorium to gather sufficient knowledge about the deep sea environments to assess the consequences of mining and ensure the effective protection of the marine environment, the Norwegian Offshore Directorate has already invited industry proposals for extraction licenses. This approach is both arrogant and cynical, damaging Norway’s reputation as a responsible ocean steward,” says Andaur.
Green Prophet’s editor, biologist and environmental activist Karin Kloosterman says that “Norway of all people should have reverence for the life-sustaining seas around us. Deep sea mining for the extraction of minerals such as lithium for electric cars and batteries ruins the environment, instead of helping it.”
Norway’s modern manufacturing and welfare system rely on a financial reserve produced by exploitation of natural resources, particularly North Sea oil.
In January 2024, Norway approved commercial deep-sea mining following a study commissioned by the government concluding it would have minimal impact, reported Reuters. “We believe that a thorough process has been carried out with broad involvement, and that the applicable requirements have been followed.
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is a Swiss-based international non-governmental organization founded in 1961 that works in the field of wilderness preservation and the reduction of human impact on the environment. It is currently based in Gland, in the canton of Vaud.
The founders were a diverse group of passionate environmentalists, including Sir Julian Huxley, Max Nicholson, Peter Scott, and Prince Bernhard of Lippe-Biesterfeld. They aimed to address the growing threats to wildlife and the environment, emphasizing the need for global conservation efforts.
WWF’s establishment in Switzerland is historically significant. Switzerland’s reputation for neutrality and stability provided an ideal base for an international organization.
Kon-Tiki expedition The Kon-Tiki expedition was a 1947 journey by raft across the Pacific Ocean from South America to the Polynesian islands, led by Norwegian explorer and writer Thor Heyerdahl. The raft was named Kon-Tiki after the Inca god Viracocha, for whom “Kon-Tiki” was said to be an old name.
Norway’s connection to WWF is also noteworthy. Norwegian environmentalist Thor Heyerdahl, known for his Kon-Tiki expedition, was among the early supporters of WWF. Norway has been active in WWF’s efforts, particularly in marine conservation and sustainable development, which is ironic given its current move to mine the sea.
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