Opening of an area on the Norwegian continental shelf for mineral activities

‘The government wants to manage Norwegian seabed minerals in a knowledge-based and sustainable manner. We are now opening the area that a large majority in the Norwegian Parliament has decided we should open. This means that we can announce smaller areas within this area where stakeholders can then apply to explore. This will give us more knowledge about our seabed mineral resources and the natural environment on the seabed’, said Energy Minister Terje Aasland.

Opening up an area initially means that industry actors can be awarded licenses to map and explore for minerals in a defined area. Such activities will only have minor environmental impacts but will contribute to important knowledge and competence building. Norway will have a stepwise and responsible development of seabed mineral activities on the Norwegian continental shelf. Environmental and safety considerations will be taken into account in all phases of the activities.

The Ministry is now working on the first licensing round, which will start in 2024. The Norwegian Offshore Directorate will now be given the task of preparing a proposal for which part of the opening area should be made available for applications in the first round. The aim is to award licences in the first half of 2025.

The licenses will include a detailed work program and requirements for data sharing, which will help us build knowledge about resources and natural assets.

Opening areas does not mean that exploitation can begin. Before any exploitation can begin, the Ministry must approve an exploitation plan prepared by the licensees. Such plans will only be approved if the specific plan, including the impact assessment, shows that it can be done sustainably and responsibly. The first plans must also be submitted to the Parliament.