Two companies said on Wednesday they are seeking offshore seabed acreage on the Norwegian continental shelf where they hope to explore for minerals, in what could be the start of a controversial new mining industry.
Nominations for acreage submitted by a May 21 deadline will form the basis for announcing the country’s first seabed mineral exploration licensing round later this year, Norwegian authorities have said.Startup Loke, backed by Technip, Wilhelmsen, and Kongsberg Gruppen, told Reuters it had nominated a substantial number of blocks focusing on areas with polymetallic crusts, rich in cobalt and rare earth elements.
Oslo-listed Green Minerals said it had nominated four areas, each comprising several blocks. The company expects the first ore from pilot production in 2028, according to a recent investor presentation. The Norwegian government says the exploration phase should help to establish the potential impact of seabed mineral extraction, and also provide more knowledge about seabed organisms.in January to open vast areas in the Norwegian and the Greenland Seas to the potential new industry, will also have to approve the first projects.Anglo American rejects BHP’s third bid, extends deadline