Norwegian Environment Agency recommends mine waste dumping in Førdefjorden

The Norwegian Environment Agency has recommended that the government grant Nordic Mining a temporary permit to dump up to 4.5 million tons of mine waste in Førdefjorden over the next three years. This recommendation follows a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated the company’s previous permit to dump up to 170 million tons of waste.

The Agency stated that the proposed activity is acceptable under the purposes and guidelines of the Pollution Control Act. However, environmental organizations, including Naturvernforbundet and Natur og Ungdom, have strongly criticized the decision. They argue that the dumping will damage vulnerable seabed fauna and question the professional integrity of the Agency, suggesting it is prioritizing the mining company over environmental protection.

Climate and Environment Minister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen is responsible for the final decision. Political opposition, including the Socialist Left Party (SV), has criticized the government's handling of the matter, with SV leader Lars Haltbrekken suggesting the government is prepared to sacrifice the fjord for mining interests.