Norway approves controversial mining waste dump in Førdefjorden

20-04-2015

by Tore Andre Kjetland Fjeldsbø

Last week, Norwegian mining company Nordic Mining got approval from the Norwegian authorities for a controversial plan to dump waste from its rutile mining project in Førdefjorden.

Nordic Mining wants to extract 200 tons of rutile ore over a period of 50 years and to dump the tailings from its mining activities in the local fjord. The potential impact on the environment makes the project highly contentious on a local, national and international level.

The sea disposal plan issue has for years divided the municipality of Naustdal between proponents of economic growth and those who fear for the local environment.

Norstat, a Norwegian statistics company, did a survey in Naustdal and its surrounding municipalities. The survey showed that 61% of the local inhabitants are against mining, while 39% is for, NRK reports.

Environmental concerns

Last fall the Norwegian Environmental Agency said no to the sea disposal plans, because waste particles could potentially have detrimental effects on sea life, among other the coastal cod. It reversed its position in its final conclusion reached in February this year.

The Norwegian Institute of Marine Research has also been highly critical about the mining project.

The environmental impact of the project is disputed by the company. In a letter to the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment, the company questioned several of the initial findings of the Environmental Agency.

Last week the Ministry of Climate and Environment granted a discharge permit for the project, and the Ministry of Local Government and Modernization approved its zoning plan. This means a full approval of the project from Norwegian authorities.

“If Norway is to have future jobs and welfare, then we must have competitive businesses. Mineral industry could be an engine for increased activity in several jobs in rural areas.” Monica Mæland, the Minister of Trade and Industry, stated to NRK.