Parts of the Norwegian shelf can be opened for mineral activity

A section of a sulphide sample, obtained during an expedition to the Mohns Ridge in the Norwegian Sea in 2020. Photo: Øystein Leiknes Nag, Norwegian Offshore Directorate.

A section of a sulphide sample, obtained during an expedition to the Mohns Ridge in the Norwegian Sea in 2020. Photo: Øystein Leiknes Nag, Norwegian Offshore Directorate.

1/9/2024 Today, the Storting (Norwegian parliament) endorsed the Government’s proposal to open parts of the Norwegian continental shelf for exploration for and production of seabed minerals.

A final resolution will be made in the form of a Royal Decree.

The Norwegian Offshore Directorate has contributed to the opening process, among other things by coordinating work on the impact assessment and preparing a resource assessment.

We’ve mapped vast areas in the northern Norwegian Sea since 2017. We’ve taken samples and collected data about minerals and metals found on the seabed. We’ve done this by means of our own expeditions, and also in cooperation with expert communities at the universities in Tromsø and Bergen.

You can find facts about seabed minerals here.

Contact

Ola Anders Skauby

Director Communication, public affairs and emergency response

Tel: +47 905 98 519

Updated: 1/10/2024

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