On September 23, 2026, Bellona, a prominent environmental foundation, launched its new initiative, “Mineralløftet,” in Oslo, aimed at fostering responsible and sustainable mineral extraction practices in Norway. The event featured Sveinung Rotevatn, Bellona’s director, who emphasised the growing necessity for minerals in the context of renewable energy technologies such as solar panels, wind power, electric vehicles, and batteries. Rotevatn highlighted the environmental movement’s classic dilemma: balancing the need for mineral resources against the imperative to reduce pollution. He expressed hope that the initiative would facilitate a more constructive dialogue in a highly polarised debate surrounding mineral extraction.
Rotevatn stated, “We need minerals. This has always been true, and I would argue it is even more true now.” He called for a collaborative approach to establish common standards, technologies, and methods that would enhance circularity and sustainability in the mineral sector, ultimately leading to lower emissions.
In conjunction with the launch, Martin Sveinsønn Melvær, Bellona’s team leader, published an opinion piece in Teknisk Ukeblad, arguing that the environmental movement must adapt to the reality that mining is essential for Europe’s mineral needs. He urged politicians to replace their reluctance with decisive action and called for industry and activists to engage in constructive dialogue rather than entrenched opposition.
Kristin Husebø Hestnes, head of mineral resources at the Norwegian Geological Survey (NGU), attended the launch and echoed the sentiment that successful sustainable mineral extraction in Norway requires collaboration across government, industry, civil society, and research communities. She noted that NGU plays a crucial role in mapping potential mining sites, which can be developed into responsible mineral extraction operations.
The Mineralløftet initiative aligns with the Norwegian government’s strategy to create the world’s most sustainable mineral industry. Hestnes remarked that Norwegian mining projects have the potential to lead the way in developing a mineral sector characterised by lower emissions and reduced environmental impact. The initiative aims to gather various stakeholders to facilitate cooperation, knowledge sharing, and the development of solutions that can make Norwegian mineral extraction more responsible, resource-efficient, and environmentally sustainable. The collaboration includes key players such as NTNU, Rare Earths Norway, Rana Gruber, Nussir, and Hub for Minerals.
