Poll shows strong public opposition to mine waste dumping in Førdefjorden

A recent Norstat poll ordered by Naturvernforbundet surveyed 1,051 people from 29 September to 6 October about the dumping of mining waste in Førdefjorden. The findings show that a large majority think the government should have ceased the dumping after the Supreme Court declared the discharge permit invalid. Pernille Bonnevie Hansen, head of Naturvernforbundet, interpreted the outcome as evidence that the government is at odds with public opinion and the court.

The poll also captured widespread disapproval of using sea deposits for mine waste overall. After the court ruling, Nordic Mining applied for a new permit to dump waste over three years, and the Environment Directorate had recommended approval in August. The government granted a temporary permit on 30 September while a new permit is reviewed, prompting protests by Natur og Ungdom at the mining site.