The area that has been opened up for exploration for seabed minerals is located far to the north and far from the mainland. This area may present challenges different from those we are familiar with from other offshore industrial activities. There is considerable uncertainty regarding both the environmental conditions in the area and how they might affect safety and the working environment in a future mining operation. 

Harsh environmental conditions, a lack of infrastructure and great distances may present challenges, both separately and in combination. In order for the business to be operated in a responsible manner, these factors must be understood and taken into account (see Consultation Paper – Proposed regulations concerning safety and working conditions in offshore mineral operations). 

What the preliminary project has accomplished

We have conducted a preliminary project to expand our knowledge of conditions in the High North, so that it also covers the areas now open to mineral exploration. This report documents our source material and the process we have followed to reach our conclusions. In this work, we have emphasised transparency regarding our assessments and the use of relevant experts.

Main findings

The report provides a comprehensive overview of factors that may affect safety, emergency preparedness and the working environment in the north. We observe that the exploration area is characterised by challenging environmental conditions, great distances and a high degree of uncertainty compared with other, more familiar sea areas. 

Some of these conditions may interact with one another and collectively exacerbate the challenges. These challenges may be particularly severe in winter and in the northern sectors of the exploration area. 

Knowledge of local conditions is primarily useful for determining what measures are necessary to ensure that seabed mineral extraction can be carried out safely. The objective is to lay the groundwork for high standards of safety, emergency preparedness and the working environment. This requires continued efforts on the part of government agencies, the industry and individual companies. 

The report is available in Norwegian only (see attachment).

 Facts: Havtil and seabed minerals

  • Since 1 April 2022, the Norwegian Ocean Industry Authority (Havtil) has been delegated administrative responsibility for safety, the working environment and emergency preparedness in respect of offshore mineral activities.
  • In January 2024, the Storting decided to open an area on the Norwegian Continental Shelf to mineral exploration, as part of a phased and knowledge-based approach.
  • In a budget agreement, it was decided not to put licences out to tender in 2024 and 2025. Nevertheless, work on regulations and the knowledge base and preparations by the authorities are continuing.
  • Regulations concerning safety and working conditions in offshore mineral operations came into force on 15 October 2025. The regulations apply, among other things, to exploration activities related to seabed minerals and are intended to ensure a high level of safety, emergency preparedness and working conditions.