Norway approves deep-sea mining in spite of warnings

Norway is a step closer to becoming the first country in the world to open up its seabed for commercial deep-sea mining after approving it in a highly contentious parliamentary vote yesterday.

- Miranda Bryant

The move comes despite warnings from scientists who say it could have a devastating impact on marine life, and opposition from the EU and the UK who have called for a temporary ban on deep-sea mining because of environmental concerns.

The proposal, voted in 80-20 by Norway's parliament after attracting cross-party support, is expected to speed up exploration of in-demand minerals including precious metals in high demand for green technologies. 

While the decision will initially apply to Norwegian waters, it will expose an area larger than Britain 280,000 sq km (108,000 sq miles) - to potential mining by companies, who will be able to apply for licences to mine minerals including lithium, scandium and cobalt. An agreement on deep-sea mining in international waters could follow later in the year.