Greenland backs deep sea mining moratorium

Greenland supports a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining crucial for the green transition, using minerals and metals in wind turbines and electric vehicles. This stance came after Norway allowed such activities, causing environmental concerns. Greenland, dependent on a clean marine environment, chooses a different path, according to Minister for Raw Materials Naaja Nathanielsen. Greenland’s government acknowledges international apprehensions about unknown environmental impacts of deep-sea mining, which is defined as depths over 200 meters covering two-thirds of the ocean floor. They will continue to permit exploration but not exploitation during the pause. The United Nations proposes a two-year precautionary pause to develop international rules for deep-sea mining, expected to be finalized by ISA in early 2025. Greenland awaits two reports on the subject, with any potential ban to be presented to the Greenlandic Parliament. Meanwhile, Norway has begun pursuing marine mining, citing the importance of self-sufficiency amidst global tensions.