Nordic Mining ASA: The Norwegian state loses appeal case against NGOs

Reference is made to earlier stock exchange notices from Nordic Mining ASA ("Nordic Mining") regarding the legal dispute between the NGOs Friends of the Earth Norway / Nature and Youth and the Norwegian state regarding the validity of the discharge permit held by Nordic Mining's subsidiary Engebø Rutile and Garnet AS ("ERG").

The Norwegian Supreme Court has today ruled in favor of the NGOs concluding that the discharge permit is invalid. ERG is not a party to the case and the ruling is only binding on the state.

The Supreme Court limits its assessment to the reasons provided in the 2016 permit and has not assessed the public interest pertaining to supply of the strategic and critical mineral rutile, as set forth in the government's decision of 23 May 2025.

The legal consequence of the ruling is that the state will have to revisit the matter and assess whether the discharge permit shall be upheld or withdrawn, including based on the interest pertaining to the supply of rutile.  Nordic Mining believes that the permit will be upheld and will assist the state in its case handling of the matter.

"The Norwegian government has given unwavering support for the Engebø Rutile and Garnet Project, recognising the geopolitical importance of the project for Norway and Europe. We are confident that the government will secure that ERG may continue its operations as planned ", says CEO Finn Ivar Marum in Nordic Mining.

Oslo, 17. June 2026