Article

On December 5, Norway voted to ban deep-sea mining until at least 2029, reversing plans to begin licensing in 2026. The decision was made due to environmental risks associated with the practice, which had already seen a pause in 2024 leading to bankruptcies among Norwegian mining companies.

Deep-sea mining involves extracting nodules rich in metals such as nickel, cobalt, and manganese from the ocean floor, a process that disrupts marine habitats and can negatively impact the food chain, particularly plankton. Experts emphasize the importance of protecting ocean ecosystems, which are vital for marine life and local fisheries. This policy change has been welcomed by environmental groups and politicians, who view it as a crucial step in preventing potential ecological disasters.