Norway’s controversial decision to open up vast stretches of its seabed for mineral extraction has sparked a fierce legal battle led by WWF Norway. The lawsuit, which began on November 28, 2024, in Oslo District Court, challenges the government’s approval to mine the deep sea without sufficient knowledge of the environmental and ecological consequences. The future of Norway’s ocean management and the precedent it could set for global seabed mining is at stake.
The lawsuit stems from Norway’s approval of a first-of-its-kind licensing round to extract deep-sea minerals, covering 386 blocks—an area larger than Finnmark, Troms, and Nordland combined. This decision has been criticized as rushed and poorly informed, ignoring warnings from Norwegian scientists, international organizations, and environmental experts.
“This impact assessment is so poor that it is illegal,” says Karoline Andaur, Secretary General of WWF Norway. “The government is setting a dangerous precedent by ignoring scientific advice and overriding environmental safeguards. We cannot allow this level of negligence when our oceans—and our planet—are at stake.”
Deep-sea mining involves extracting valuable minerals and metals from the ocean floor. It is considered a potential solution to meet the rising demand for critical materials needed in renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, and electronics. The most targeted resources in deep-sea mining include:
Despite its potential, seabed mining has profound environmental and ecological risks. These include the destruction of fragile ecosystems, disruption of carbon storage processes, and the release of harmful substances like radioactive materials. The deep sea, often called Earth’s last untouched wilderness, is home to unique biodiversity and is crucial in maintaining planetary health.
The claim that the Norwegian government’s impact assessment does not meet the legal requirements outlined in Section 2-2 of the Seabed Minerals Act is central to WWF’s legal challenge. This law mandates comprehensive evaluations of the environmental, ecological, and economic impacts of mining before opening areas for exploration.
Norwegian scientists estimate that over 99% of the proposed mining area remains unexplored. The government’s assessment, WWF argues, fails to account for critical factors, such as:
“You acknowledge that there are significant knowledge gaps, yet you proceed without addressing them. That’s not responsible governance,” said Jenny Sandvig, WWF’s lawyer, during the opening arguments. Sandvig highlighted that the scale of the proposed mining area exceeds any previous ocean management decision in Norway, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Even the Norwegian Environment Agency, a government body, has criticized the assessment, stating it lacks sufficient analysis of the ecological and climate risks. “The government’s own experts are raising red flags, yet these warnings have been ignored,” Andaur remarked.
Deep-sea mining is particularly contentious due to its potential to disrupt delicate and poorly understood ecosystems. Hydrothermal vents, for example, are biodiversity hotspots that support unique life forms adapted to extreme conditions. These ecosystems are slow to recover from disturbances and may be permanently damaged by mining activities.
The deep ocean is the world’s largest carbon store. Sediments on the seabed trap carbon dioxide, helping to regulate the planet’s climate. Mining these areas could release this stored carbon, contributing to global warming.
WWF also challenges the claim that seabed mining is necessary to meet the demands of the green transition. Many leading corporations, including Apple, Google, BMW, and Volvo, have committed to avoiding minerals sourced from the seabed, instead advocating for recycling and alternative supply chains.
“The deep sea is not just another frontier to exploit. It’s a critical part of the planet’s life-support system,” says Andaur. “It acts as the ocean’s carbon store, and any disruption could have far-reaching consequences for climate stability.”
The decision to open the seabed for mining has faced strong domestic and international resistance. In Norway, political opposition has been led by the Socialist Left, Liberal, Red, Green, and Christian Democratic parties, which argue that the government has failed to meet its legal obligations for a proper impact assessment.
Internationally, the criticism is even louder. The European Parliament, Nordic Council, UN Environment Programme, and 32 countries have called for a global moratorium on seabed mining until more knowledge is available. Over 900 deep-sea researchers have warned of the irreversible consequences of mining and urged caution.
“While the rest of the world urges caution, Norway is rushing ahead, ignoring the very principles of knowledge-based environmental management,” Andaur said. The contrast between Norway’s actions and global sentiment has raised concerns about the country’s commitment to sustainable practices.
WWF’s lawsuit could have far-reaching implications. If successful, it could force Norway to revoke its decision and set a higher standard for environmental assessments worldwide. If it fails, the outcome could embolden other nations to exploit deep-sea resources without sufficient safeguards.
“This case isn’t just about Norway,” says Andaur. “It’s about setting a global standard for how we treat our oceans, our climate, and our future. If the decision isn’t challenged, we risk allowing governments to bypass their own laws and manage natural resources blindly.”
The trial, which runs until December 5, 2024, has already brought significant flaws in the government’s approach to light. WWF’s legal team has presented evidence of omitted data and insufficient analysis, emphasizing the need for a more cautious and informed approach to ocean management.
The stakes could not be higher, with production licenses expected to be issued as early as spring 2025. WWF continues to rally public support, with over 75,000 people signing its petition against seabed mining. The organization urges more voices to join the movement, prioritizing knowledge and caution over haste and exploitation.
“This isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a question of ethics, governance, and responsibility,” says Andaur. “Norway has a choice: to lead by example or to set a dangerous precedent. The world is watching.”
