Nussir said an agreement signed with Hammerfest Municipality covers a safeguarding of the interests and culture of the local Sámi people. The deal also included a commitment to the development of local business, and the use of local suppliers.

"At Nussir, we ensure that sustainability is at the centre of everything we do, and this means ensuring that we have a positive impact on the communities surrounding our operation," said Øystein Rushfeldt, chief executive of Nussir.

"We firmly believe in the valuable contributions mining can have, not only with regards to delivering the materials needed for the green transition but also on local people and their quality and standard of living."

Nussir noted that it plans to announce the results of an electrification study by consulting group SRK, and an update to the Feasibility Study," in due course".

Coastal fisherman, including Sámi sea fisherman have registered concerns the project will smother habitat critical to salmon, cod and other marine life, while reindeer farmers have stated fears over grazing areas. 

Marianne Sivertsen Næss, Mayor of Hammerfest Municipality, commented on the deal:

"I know that the Kvalsund community is really looking forward the realisation of the Nussir Project.  It is clear that we want to reverse the negative trend of population decline in Hammerfest, and this is a focus for us in the future.