Greenland issues strong warning to US oil firm after unauthorised landing

The Greenlandic government has issued a “strong warning” to a US oil company after equipment was landed without permission in the country’s remote east, despite explicit orders not to do so.

Greenland Energy Company, which plans to drill for oil in the Nunap Qeqqa (Jameson Land) region, has faced protests in several towns this summer. The company has announced multiple drill sites for this year, but lacks the necessary approvals.

The Ministry of Mineral Resources confirmed late Thursday that equipment—described as a “small but necessary part of drilling operations”—had been landed by White Flame Energy, a contractor for Greenland Energy Company. The gear was moved from Tasiilaq, 800 km to the south, and is now stored near Nerlerit Inaat (Constable Pynt) airport, with orders not to transport it further.

Earlier this week, department head Jørgen Hammeken-Holm told Greenlandic media Sermitsiaq that any landing would be unacceptable. He warned of firm sanctions, including police intervention or support from the Arctic Command, if the company ignored authorities.

Despite the breach, officials have so far limited their response to the warning, stating that removing the equipment would be disproportionate. The ministry stressed that all future logistical moves must be reported to and approved by mineral authorities before execution.

Greenland halted new oil exploration licences in 2021, but a handful of older permits remain valid. Greenland Energy Company is operating under one of these, though it still requires additional approvals to proceed.

DR has contacted Greenland Energy Company for comment.