Jan Christian Vestre (Ap) has high ambitions for the government’s mineral strategy. However, the Minister of Industry will not say how much money the government intends to use, beyond the 30 million already allocated for mapping mineral deposits. Industry Minister Jan Christian Vestre has high ambitions for the strategy. Photo: Kristian Skårdalsmo / news – This is very good, you see, says a committed minister. He refers to the five points that are the backbone of the mineral strategy that will be presented today at 2 p.m.: Complete the geophysical mapping of Norway. Introduce “fast track” to reduce processing time and facilitate faster permit processes for mineral projects. Introduce “One stop Shop” to coordinate applications and case management for critical and strategic metal and mineral projects. Set stricter requirements for climate and the environment, including by prioritizing projects with a high level of environmental awareness. Consider a state mineral company or fund. – As regards the completion of the geophysical survey, we are already well underway with this work. It will continue to the full in the future, says Jan Christian Vestre. “Fast track” for the Fensfield The government will also introduce a so-called “fast track” to cut the processing time and be able to grant permission for mineral projects more quickly. – Many projects are already well under way and we want to help these processes go faster. One example is the Fens field in Telemark, says the Minister of Industry. Nome mayor Bjørg Tveito Lundefaret (Ap) is well satisfied. – We are happy that the Fensfield is so clearly focused on in the strategy. Tveito Lundefaret believes this substantiates how important the mining areas on Fen are. – Then we as a municipality must also follow this closely, says the Nome mayor. Vestre acknowledges that, for lack of a better Norwegian word, they have chosen to introduce a “one stop shop” to coordinate applications and case processing. – There are many different laws, rules and administrative authorities. To make this as simple as possible, we have decided that the Directorate for Mineral Management (DMF) will be the actor that coordinates and administers, says Vestre. No earmarking – How much money comes with this strategy beyond the 30 million already allocated for mapping mineral deposits? – It is clear that such a strategy also obliges financially. Through the green industry promise, NOK 60 billion will be allocated until 2025. – But how much money are you earmarking for the mineral strategy? – As I said, NOK 30 million has already been allocated, but I would like to remind you that there will also be a state budget soon, although I cannot of course say anything more about it now, says Vestre. – Dependent on private He rejects the government sticking sticks in the wheels of private mining companies when the mineral strategy opens up for state ownership and a possible state mineral company or fund. – In that case, it will be a supplement to the private initiatives we see. – We are completely dependent on private companies and investors being willing to continue the important work they are already doing in this area, says Jan Christian Vestre.
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The government’s mineral strategy is presented – news Vestfold and Telemark – Local news, TV and radio
