WWF-Norway appeals the ruling from Oslo District Court in deep seabed mining case

Oslo, February 24, 2025 – WWF-Norway is appealing the ruling from the Oslo District Court in the case concerning the Norwegian government's decision to open areas for deep seabed mining without sufficient knowledge of the consequences for nature.

“We do not agree with the assessments made by the Oslo District Court and believe that the ruling contains several serious faults. We have therefore decided to appeal,” says Karoline Andaur, CEO of WWF-Norway.

On February 13, the ruling was issued in the case concerning deep seabed mining, in which WWF-Norway took the government to court for violating the Seabed Minerals Act. Oslo District Court acquitted the state.

“The District Court wrongly assumes that the lawsuit is a political battle and has therefore skipped the thorough review of the case processing that the courts are both entitled and obligated to ensure. This is despite the fact that the Norwegian Supreme Court in 2020 clarified that the courts should conduct a comprehensive review of the case processing in these types of cases,” says Andaur.

WWF is appealing the decision in its entirety.

For further information, please contact:
Elena Solberg
Media Relations Manager, WWF-Norway
esolberg@wwf.no
+47 48204130