Overview
- The minority Labour government secured votes for its 2026 budget by agreeing not to launch the first tenders during the current parliamentary term, which ends in 2029.
- Authorities say the move does not reverse long‑term policy, with the pause earmarked for additional research and finalising regulations before any future licensing.
- Environmental groups including Greenpeace and WWF welcomed the delay, with campaigner Haldis Tjeldflaat Helle calling it a potential "nail in the coffin" for domestic deep‑sea mining.
- Industry figures called the decision "very detrimental," as the Norwegian Forum for Marine Minerals warned companies may turn to international projects and Adepth Minerals criticised the political uncertainty.
- An official 2023 assessment estimates roughly 38 million tonnes of copper, 45 million tonnes of zinc and significant rare earths in Norwegian waters, while projects continue abroad such as Cook Islands licences and The Metals Company’s Pacific plans.