July 2023
20/7/23
- Norway encourages the Commission to hold open meetings and also to to include other experts not only scientists but also members of civil society as this gives them an opportunity to engage in this process
19/7/23
- Norway highlighted the importance of competent independent experts during the approval process of a Plan of Work
14/7/23
- When the two year rule was triggered it initiated a two year timeline to adopt regulations for exploitation. This deadline has failed to be met.
- Norway agrees with the objective that mining should not occur without complete regulations in place and until there is clear and scientific evidence that it can be done safely as well as with clear mechanism for monitoring and inspection and with clear benefit sharing
13/7/23
- Testing mining should not be mandatory because it could have negative environmental impacts and the damage costs could be more severe than the benefits achieved. Instead there should be a requirement for “technology testing”.
March 2023
31/3/23
- Norway stated that “we look forward to working with other delegations inter-sessionally in the different groups on the independent compliance mechanism and on several of the environmental issues”
27/3/23
- Called for no mining unless and until we have necessary knowledge about ecosystems – more information is needed
- Called for no mining before regulatory framework is established – committed to work diligently for purpose of timely adoption of mining code
24/3/23
- Remains convinced that the Council’s assessment of any Plan of Work must rely on LTC opinion.
- Stated: “We can’t be led away from our efforts by political consideration, UNCLOS requires us to finalize rules, regulations and procedures within two years.”
20/3/23
- Stated – “Before proceeding, let me also take this opportunity and thank you facilitator for giving our friends from civil society an opportunity to pronounce themselves and also some representatives of indigenous communities. I think it’s important for us as stakeholders and states to hear different perspectives. So we thank you for that.”
- Commented that “our national experience suggests that third party certifications can lead to a diffusion of responsibility, at least from our vantage point is very important that we have the contractor being accountable and held responsible for whatever transgressions were to happen.”
October/November 2022
10/11/22
- A prohibition against deep-sea mining seems an unfortunate departure from our collective endeavors to complete the mining code and thus achieve our legal obligations under UNCLOS.
- Norway shares many of the concerns raised and believes in the objective that mining should not occur without complete regulations in place. In our view, the best way to achieve this is to continue and to redouble our efforts to finish these regulations.
4/11/22
- Norway stated that they are committed to trying to finish the regulations by 2023.
- The delegation stated they are committed to obligation to finalise and believe council must redouble efforts
3/11/22
- Called for the LTC to have oversight of REMPs
July/August 2022
27/7/22
- Queried references to other rules of international law.
- Stated that there is merit in simplifying the text
26/7/22
- Agreed with Costa Rica on effective control and the transfer of rights.
21/7/22
- Norway stated the need for “exploitation regulations with stringent standards while following the precautionary principle”
- The delegation supported the UK in ensuring that all environmental documents and data are made available.