Frequently asked questions about adjustments to the Minerals Act
On June 11th, the Norwegian parliament voted to make adjustments to the Minerals Act.
The changes are effective starting July 1st and are available on Lovdata [in Norwegian].
I do not know whether I am registered in the Register of Business Enterprises. How do I know?
You can look up companies and enterprises at the Brønnøysund Register Centre website in the “Finn foretak/selskap” box. Should you still be uncertain we recommend you contact the Brønnøysund Register Centre directly.
What is the Register of Business Enterprises [Foretaksregisteret]?
Brief English summaries of Norwegian public registries, including the Register of Business Enterprises, are available on Altinn, and further information in Norwegian may be found on Brønnøysund Register Centre.
I am not registered in the Register of Business Enterprises. What will the Minerals Act adjustments mean for my exploration permit?
It will not affect any permits you have already been granted. The adjustments will only affect applications received starting July 1st 2021.
I have submitted an application before July 1st, but my application is still being processed. How will the adjustments to the Minerals Act affect my application?
Your application will be processed according to the rules as of the date we received your application. The adjustments will only affect applications received starting July 1st 2021.
How do I register an enterprise in the Register of Business Enterprises?
Descriptions and registration guides for enterprises are available on the Altinn website. We link to some specific examples below:
How do I establish a sole proprietorship?
Requirements and a guide how to establish sole proprietorships are available on Altinn.
How much does it cost to register an enterprise in the Register of Business Enterprises?
Brønnøysund Register Centre provide an overview of fees [in Norwegian].
What formal duties accompany registry with the Register of Business Enterprises?
Duties and reporting vary according to the enterprise type, not whether the enterprise has been registered with the Registry of Business Enterprises. Altinn provides an overview.
I have a sole proprietorship; may I apply for an exploration permit with it?
Yes, given that the sole proprietorship is registered in the Register of Business Enterprises, you may apply for exploration permits.
We are a non-Norwegian enterprise. How can we get an exploration permit?
The enterprise has to be registered in the Registry of Business Enterprises. To be able to register in the Registry of Business Enterprises the company need to have a Norwegian organisation number. An alternative to establishing a Norwegian enterprise is to create a Norwegian registered foreign business (NUF).
We have planned exploration work, but in accordance with the new notification rules, we are late to deliver notice. What do we do?
Starting July 1st notification of exploration work should be delivered at least 2 months before the work commences.
With written confirmation from the Directorate of Mining, landowner and land users, as well as other affected parties, exceptions from the required pre-notice period may be accommodated.
Shall we deliver notice of exploration work when we have an extraction permit?
Yes, extraction permit holders have to deliver notice of exploration work.