Norway’s defense minister has rejected calls to use budget funds for stricter mineral import controls, despite warnings that a lack of oversight poses a growing national security threat. The government has not acted on recommendations from security experts who say dependence on foreign metals could disrupt military and infrastructure supply chains.
The issue centers on critical minerals, particularly those needed for advanced weapons systems and renewable energy technology. Security analysts point to rare earth elements as a weak point. Norway imports these metals without mandatory checks, leaving the country vulnerable to supply chain disruptions or foreign interference.
Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram stated that current measures are sufficient. He argued that allocating funds for new controls would divert resources from higher priorities. The Norwegian Armed Forces have not publicly detailed how they would respond if key mineral supplies were cut off.
Industry representatives warn that Norway’s approach lags behind allies. The EU and NATO have strengthened their own mineral strategies in recent years. Norway, a key energy supplier to Europe, risks falling behind as demand for battery metals like lithium and cobalt surges.
Parliamentary debates have intensified over the past six months. Opposition lawmakers accuse the government of ignoring expert advice. The Directorate for Civil Protection has not issued a formal risk assessment on mineral shortages, despite requests from lawmakers.
The debate reflects broader concerns about Norway’s preparedness. While the country leads in oil and gas exports, its lack of action on mineral security stands out as a clear gap in national defense planning.
Source: tu.no