While most agree the need for critical and battery metals is important to the green revolution, it has been almost unanimous that when it comes to mining, the ocean is off limits.
That is, until now. In a shock move, Norway — regarded as one of the most ‘green’ countries in the world (as per the International Trade Administration) — is poised to become the first nation in the world to approve deep sea mining.
Last week, Norway’s government gave the greenlight for the Northern European nation to start deep seabed exploration.
As reported from Mining.com.au in November 2023, deep sea mining is the process of resource exploitation on the seabed that can be divided into 3 distinct types. One being the targeting of hydrothermal vents, another focusing on cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts, and the final being the collection of polymetallic nodules.
According to a Norwegian government statement, the logic behind the nation’s decision to approve such a controversial practice stems from the need for crucial metals for the global energy transition.
While these aforementioned commodities, which can be found in the Norwegian seabed, are key components in the development of electric vehicles (EVs) and other vital net zero appliances, industry sources tell Mining.com.au deep sea mining could be a step too far.
Norway’s greenlight makes waves
Speaking to Mining.com.au, Deep Sea Conservation Coalition Campaign Communications Manager Travis Aten says Norway’s decision has been made with greed, and not need, in mind.
Aten has gathered his experience of the deep sea through a focus on the establishment of marine protected areas within Canada.
“This is about greed and not need, as deep-sea mining will come at a significant cost to present and future generations.
Reports continue to show that deep-sea mining is not financially viable and that deep-sea minerals are not needed to fuel the ‘green transition’. For example, battery technology is rapidly evolving toward the use of lower-cost materials such as iron, phosphate and sodium to replace high-cost and environmentally questionable metals such as cobalt, nickel which are found in the deep sea.”
The report Aten alludes to is published by npj Ocean Sustainability, which states emerging technologies in the field, in conjunction with the emergence of other non-critical commodities, could potentially reduce the demand for critical minerals by 58%.
His comments follow those made by Head of Greenpeace Norway Frode Pleym, who stated in December 2023 that Norway has lost all international credibility.
“By opening up for deep sea mining, Norway has lost all credibility as a responsible ocean nation that signed the UN Ocean Treaty.
It is embarrassing to watch Norway positioning itself as an ocean leader while giving the green light to ocean destruction in its own waters.”
Greed vs need?
The outcry from industry experts and environmental organisations alike echo comments from mining giant Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO), which in November 2023 stated enough materials are present on land to satiate the hunger of the global energy transition.
“Responsible land-based mining can supply the materials required for the energy transition as well as meeting other essential minerals and metals needs, and there are proven capabilities and technologies to deliver these supplies. The impacts of land-based mining are far better understood than deep sea mining and we are continuously working to find ways to better mitigate them.”
Rio’s claims are supported by a a report published by the International Seabed Authority (ISA), which says: “A study concluded that land-based sources could meet demand in all scenarios except those with the highest growth rate so that deep-sea sources may lead to oversupply and price reductions, and/or land-based projects being abandoned.
“Should prices for one or more of the four main metals fall, this could result in seabed mining projects becoming sub-economic or unprofitable.”
Should prices for one or more of the four main metals fall, this could result in seabed mining projects becoming sub-economic or unprofitable.”
One such example of a failed attempt at deep sea mining was undertaken by the Papua New Guinean government at Nautilus Minerals, in which the latter pulled out of the Solwara 1 Project, therefore leaving the government out of pocket $157 million.
However, when asked if Norway’s decision will kickstart a chain reaction of other international mining jurisdictions making a move into the murky waters of deep sea mining, Aten is confident the controversial practice’s time in the spotlight will begin and end with Norway.
“Momentum toward a deep-sea mining moratorium continues to grow. To date, 24 countries have all called for a pause on the industry. Nearly 40 companies and financial institutions such as Google, Samsung, BMW, Volkswagen, and others have announced they will not fund or source deep-sea mining until it can be clearly demonstrated that such activities can be managed in a way that ensures the effective protection of the marine environment.
Due to this groundswell of support from a broad chorus of society, the lack of science and knowledge, potential environmental destruction, and mounting financial concerns, we’re confident that a moratorium on the industry is possible and others will not follow Norway’s path.”
In October 2023, activists from around the world joined forces in a protest against Norway’s plans to open 281,000km-square of its ocean floor – an area larger than the size of the UK.
The activists rallied in their belief that the move is in direct conflict with Norway’s role in the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel).
Calls for the Prime Minister to resign, and a letter sent from more than 30 organisations delivered at 20-plus Norwegian embassies on all continents sent at the time, appear to have gone unheeded.
“At a time when humanity is racing against the clock to tackle both the climate crisis and the biodiversity crisis, we should protect nature – not destroy it“
The Deep Sea Conservation Coalition notes the deep sea harbours a vulnerable and largely unexplored nature and wildlife. Less than 1% of the area Norway is planning to open up for deep sea mining has been mapped by biologists.
The coalition adds that the Norwegian government knows virtually nothing about the ecosystems that are in danger of disappearing completely because of the new destructive industry.
In October last year, Global Campaign Lead for the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition Sofia Tsenikli said by embarking on mining in the deep sea without sufficient knowledge, there’s a risk of destroying unique nature, eradicating vulnerable species and disrupting the world’s largest carbon sink.
“At a time when humanity is racing against the clock to tackle both the climate crisis and the biodiversity crisis, we should protect nature – not destroy it.”
Write to Adam Drought at Mining.com.au
Images: Ocean Exploration Trust & Deep Sea Conservation Coalition
