Brussels. The Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC), the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), Greenpeace, Seas at Risk (SAR), the Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) expressed their appreciation for the The adoption of Resolution B9 0095/2024 by the European Parliament regarding Norway’s decision to proceed with deep sea mining in the Arctic. This resolution reflects the growing opposition to the deep sea mining industry in light of Norway’s recent choice.
The European Parliament’s vote in favor of resolution B9 0095/2024 sends a message. Highlights significant environmental concerns over Norway’s plan to open large areas in Arctic waters to deep-sea mining operations. The resolution reaffirms Parliament’s support for a halt. Urges the European Commission, Member States and all nations to take a precautionary approach and advocate for a moratorium on deep sea mining, including within the International Seabed Authority.
Sandrine Polti, Head of Europe at the DSCC, said: “We very much welcome this resolution from the European Parliament reaffirming its call for a moratorium on this destructive and risky industry before it begins. As global momentum for a moratorium grows, we call on Norway to reverse its decision before irreversible damage is inflicted on our ocean.
Anne-Sophie Roux, Head of Deep Sea Mining Europe for the SOA, highlighted: “At present, we lack solid, comprehensive and credible scientific knowledge to enable a reliable assessment of the impacts of deep sea mining. Any mining activity would therefore be at odds with Norway’s commitment to the precautionary approach, sustainable management and international climate and nature obligations.
Haldis Tjeldflaat Helle, Deep Sea Mining Campaigner at Greenpeace Nordic warned: “By opening up to deep sea mining in the Arctic, Norway is ignoring hundreds of concerned ocean scientists and losing all credibility to abroad as a responsible ocean nation. This should be a warning to any government considering further seabed mining.
The Parliament’s resolution follows Parliament’s approval on January 9, 2024, to allow deep-sea mining operations in an area of more than 280,000 kilometers, roughly the same size as Italy, in the ecologically fragile Arctic region. This decision has caused widespread concern within the global community, including among scientists, the fishing industry, NGOs/civil society and activists. petition collecting to date more than 550,000 signatures. The Norwegian Environment Agency has assessed that the strategic environmental impact assessment provided by the Norwegian government does not provide a sufficient scientific or legal basis to open deep-sea exploration or mining.
Kaja Lønne Fjærtoft, head of global policy against deep sea mining for WWF International, said: “The Norwegian government’s decision to open deep sea mining goes against the recommendations of its own expert bodies, eminent scientists, universities, financial institutions and civil society. As a self-proclaimed leader of the oceans, Norway should be guided by science. The evidence is clear: for a healthy ocean, we need a global moratorium on deep sea mining.”
The resolution adopted by Parliament expresses concerns about Norway’s intentions to engage in deep sea mining activities and the potential consequences these activities could have on European fisheries, food security, Arctic marine biodiversity and neighboring countries. Additionally, it highlights concerns that Norway may be violating international laws by failing to meet the criteria needed to carry out a strategic environmental impact assessment.
Simon Holmström, Head of Deep Sea Mining Policy at Seas At Risk, highlighted: “Arctic ecosystems are already under immense pressure due to climate change. If deep sea mining were allowed, it could disrupt the world’s largest carbon sink – the deep sea – and lead to an irreversible and permanent loss of marine biodiversity in and beyond Norwegian waters. We cannot let this happen.
To date, 24 countries around the world, including 7 EU countries, are calling for a moratorium or pause on the industry. Multinational companies such as Google, Samsung, Northvolt, Volvo and BMW have pledged to stop extracting any minerals from the seabed. Reports continue to emphasize that the metals found in the deep sea are unnecessary and will only provide limited financial benefits to a privileged few, contradicting the profit-driven claims of deep-sea mining companies.
Martin Webeler, deep sea mining campaigner for the Environmental Justice Foundation, added: “Deep sea mining is not necessary for the green transition. The destruction of near-pristine ecosystems will not stop biodiversity loss or help us solve the climate crisis – it will only make the situation worse. We need to seriously rethink our thinking: the full implementation of the circular economy and the overall reduction of demand for minerals must finally become our guiding principle.”
The European Parliament’s approval of resolution B9 0095/2024 shows that there is shared concern about the effects of deep sea mining in the Arctic. As a result, a call has been made to stop this industry. Global opposition to deep sea mining is growing, highlighting the importance of managing and taking action to safeguard our oceans.
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