Minerals

Norway’s mineral industry is positioned to become a global leader in sustainable mineral extraction and processing. With a strategic focus on environmental stewardship, innovation and international collaboration, Norway offers a unique value proposition for investors, companies and the global market.

Norway is seeking partners to develop the mining industry within field development and financial investment.

The Norwegian Government has drawn up a mineral strategy, whose most important goals include:

• Developing the world’s most sustainable mineral industry
• Completing the geophysical surveying of Norway and stepping up the mapping of critical raw materials
• Introducing schemes to reduce processing time and facilitate faster permitting processes for mining and mineral projects through improved coordination and parallel processing of public permits/licences
• Prioritising projects with the least environmental impact and emphasising reuse and recycling to contribute to a circular economy
• Considering the establishment of a state-owned mineral company or fund

The strategy was followed up by a new mineral law which will come into effect on 1 July 2026. The new law aims at speeding up the permitting process and strengthening sustainability requirements and the rights of the Sami people.

The Norwegian process industry is internationally competitive, with a high export share. Powered by nearly 100 per cent renewable energy, it likely has the smallest carbon footprint in the world.

It supplies a wide range of processed raw minerals, including aluminium, nickel, cobalt, copper, silicon, zinc, manganese alloys, anode grade synthetic graphite, mineral fertiliser and fillers, and also offers REE separation.

Reuse of deposits in a sustainable manner is high on the agenda in Norway. To do this, greater industrial symbiosis is needed, including the reuse of waste and by-products. There is an ongoing effort to map symbiotic opportunities in the country, and we see growing opportunities for companies to utilise various side streams.

Norway’s mineral extraction sites are partly Norwegian-owned and partly internationally owned, particularly high-value extraction sites. Half of the mineral extraction sites in production or mature projects are internationally owned. Sites owned by internationals tend to have higher average sales values.

• Sustainability focus: Norway has a strong sustainability mindset. The Norwegian Government and industry stakeholders are committed to developing the world’s most sustainable mining industry.
• Advanced technology and expertise: Norway boasts world-class skills and technology in mineral extraction, refining and recycling. Norway also has a long history of mountain drilling and can provide equipment and services.
• Excellent collaboration: Cross-border collaboration in the Nordics will accelerate the development of infrastructure, production capacity and refineries.
• Easily accessible: Norway’s long coastline and many harbours facilitate international shipping.

• High operational costs: The cost of mining operations in Norway can be high, due to stringent environmental regulations and the challenging terrain.
• Regulatory hurdles: Despite government support, the regulatory process for new mining projects can be slow and cumbersome, due to mapping of natural interventions, local impact and agreeing on the rights of indigenous peoples.

Invest in Norway can provide you with information and relevant networks. We have a very good overview of sites and industrial stakeholders, and we are ready to assist you.