Norway to Stop Coal Mining in Svalbard

April 16, 2025

Norway has announced the cessation of coal mining in Svalbard, an archipelago situated in the Arctic Ocean, with the last remaining coal mine, Mine No. 7, set to close this summer after more than a century of operation. The decision reflects a significant shift in the country’s energy policies and its commitment to environmental sustainability.

Economic Implications

Svein Jonny Albrigtsen, the head of the Labour Party branch in Svalbard, spoke about the need for job creation and industry in the region. In an interview with Klassekampen, he stated, “We need jobs and industry in Svalbard. Coal plays a crucial role in the metallurgical industry, serving as a primary energy source for metal production.” Despite these concerns, the proposal to continue mineral extraction was not addressed during the national congress of the Labour Party.

Albrigtsen highlighted that current electricity supply in Norwegian settlements is reliant on diesel generators, which raises questions about the future energy landscape. Norway imports between one to two million tonnes of coal annually, primarily from Colombia, indicating that the closure of local mining activities could impact the energy supply chain.

Future of Coal in Svalbard

Albrigtsen noted that while there is a demand for coal given its high quality and competitive pricing, the overall consensus in the Storting, Norway's parliament, still favors shutting down coal mining operations. “Many in the Labour Party support us, but they do not dare to speak out about it,” he expressed, showing a divide between local and national perspectives on the issue.

As the region transitions away from coal mining, discussions surrounding alternative energy sources and industries are expected to become increasingly critical in maintaining local employment levels and economic stability.

Context

This decision comes in the wake of broader environmental concerns and aligns with global trends where countries are moving towards sustainable energy sources to combat climate change. Norway’s commitment to reducing fossil fuel dependency echoes similar actions taken by other nations with rich natural resources as they pivot towards greener alternatives.

Moving forward, stakeholders in the region will need to adapt to this significant policy change and consider various strategies to mitigate the economic impacts of the coal mine closure.

As events unfold, the local communities in Svalbard, currently home to 297 residents, will be closely monitoring both the economic and environmental repercussions of this transition.