Yesterday, the Norwegian government appointed a committee that is to propose changes to the 2010 Minerals Act. At the same time, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries has submitted proposed changes for a hearing already.

The committee is to propose how to further develop and modernize the 2010 Minerals Act. The committee has a broad mandate and includes representatives from both the minerals industry as well as from Sami organizations. Its report is to be submitted by 1 December 2021.

In the hearing document, the department proposes a general requirement about required qualifications for all mineral activities, as well as allowing for transferring of operating licenses within certain limits. Furthermore, it is proposed that licensees have a three months’ notification deadline prior to their commencing work.