Greenland authorities reject US oil firm's drilling plans for this year

Published Aug 11, 10:55 AM UTC

Greenlandic authorities have contradicted US oil operator Greenland Energy's public timetable, stating the company will not obtain approvals to drill in eastern Greenland this year. Minister Múte B. Egede told local broadcaster KNR that drilling this autumn is unrealistic. The company, an investor and operator in a project held by British firm 80 Mile PLC, had told shareholders it planned an exploration well in Jameson Land. Greenland stopped issuing new oil and gas licenses in 2021, though three older licenses remain valid. The dispute emerged after Danwatch reported the companies transported equipment including an excavator and 15 containers to Jameson Land in late July. The company received a 'strong warning' that future logistical arrangements must be pre-approved, with potential sanctions including fines or license withdrawal for further breaches. The incident occurs amid heightened transatlantic tensions after US President Donald Trump claimed the island, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, though both Greenlandic and Danish officials have rejected a US takeover.