Resource potential of mine wastes in Norway: Opportunities and regulatory challenges

Historical mine wastes in Norway, primarily sulfidic tailings and waste rock, represent a significant secondary resource, particularly for Cu and Zn, with additional occurrences of precious metals and critical raw materials such as Co, Ni, Au and Ag. This study systematically evaluates the resource potential of these deposits by compiling available volumetric and geochemical data and assessing opportunities for revalorization within the context of the current regulatory framework. Using a combination of inventory compilation, case study insights, and a review of relevant regulations, this work highlights both the potential and limitations associated with the reprocessing of historical mine wastes in Norway. The inventory in this study maps approximately 67 million tonnes of sulfidic mine waste, with Cu grades ranging from 0.03 to 0.56 wt% and Zn from 0.33 to 7.7 wt%, alongside evidence of other valuable elements. Although technical feasibility for reprocessing has been demonstrated, large-scale utilization is primarily limited by regulatory fragmentation, unclear ownership, environmental liability, and complex permitting requirements. Many legacy sulfidic sites also pose environmental risks due to potential acid rock drainage, metal leaching, and landscape disturbance, emphasizing the need for careful management. Key data gaps include limited spatially resolved grade information, incomplete mineralogical and metal deportment characterization, and partial mapping of waste rock deposits, which restrict precise resource estimation. These challenges points to the critical role of policy in bridging the gap between resource potential and practical implementation. Policy recommendations include clarifying ownership and long-term liability, streamlining permitting procedures, providing financial or regulatory incentives for pilot-scale recovery, and establishing systematic national-scale mine waste inventories. Addressing these gaps could enable environmentally responsible and economically viable revalorization of Norwegian mine wastes, supporting circular economy strategies and securing critical metals for green and digital transitions. • 67 Mt of Norwegian mine wastes mapped across Norway. • Grades range: 0.03 – 0.56 wt% Cu, 0.33 – 7.7 wt% Zn, elevated Co, Ni, Ag, Au. • Data gaps in mineralogy, grade distribution, and waste rock mapping persist. • Regulatory, ownership, and liability barriers limit revalorization. • Policy measures could enable critical metal supply from mine wastes.