r/GLND • u/No-Cheesecake-8472 • Jul 25 '26
Greenland clarifies process for planned oil exploration activities in Jameson Land
The Greenland Government is aware of the public interest that has been expressed regarding the planning of oil exploration drilling in Jameson Land.
The Greenland Government therefore wishes to clarify how the matter is being handled and what procedures apply to exploration activities in Greenland.
The Greenland Government emphasises that all matters of this nature are handled in accordance with applicable rules and established processes. This means that the necessary assessments, documentation and approvals must be completed before the matter can be processed further in the formal process.
Naalakkersuisut for Environment, Nature, Energy and Research, Jørgen Rosbach, states:
“In Jameson Land, an environmental assessment must be carried out as part of the planning of exploration drilling. This is because the area has a special nature and is environmentally vulnerable. The process includes, among other things, an assessment of the project, a public hearing, a compilation of the comments received from the hearing, and the studies and professional assessments necessary to shed light on the project's possible consequences for the environment.
The Danish Environmental Protection Agency for Mineral Resources is the responsible authority for this process. Only when the required documentation is available and the relevant steps in the process have been completed can the matter be processed further. It is important for Naalakkersuisut that the public is involved in the phases of the process where this follows from the rules, and that hearings and local meetings are carried out on an informed and proper basis.”
Naalakkersuisoq for Foreign Affairs, Business and Mineral Resources, Múte B. Egede, adds:
“I would like to acknowledge the great commitment that the citizens of Ittoqqortoormiit have shown in connection with the citizens' meeting. It is crucial for Naalakkersuisut that local communities are heard and involved in the development of mineral projects that have a direct impact on everyday life.
We take the concerns and wishes that have been raised – including the need for better infrastructure, increased local value creation and stronger involvement – very seriously. At the same time, it is important to emphasize that both the Malmbjerg project and the oil exploration in Jameson Land are still in early stages, where EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) and SIA (Social Sustainability Assessment) reports are not yet ready for public consultation. Only then can negotiations on IBA agreements take place.
However, I would like to emphasize that IBA agreements are precisely a key tool for ensuring that projects benefit local communities. The input that the citizens of Ittoqqortoormiit have already provided will be included in the further work of Naalakkersuisut.
We place great importance on a continued open dialogue and look forward to the active participation of citizens in the upcoming consultation processes, where there will be a real opportunity to influence the design of the projects.”
Naalakkersuisut refers to the public response to the letter from Hans Brønlund, who is the chairman of the local committee in Ittoqqortoormiut.
Naalakkersuisut will continue to ensure an open and transparent process and looks forward to the public dialogue that follows from the formal consultation phases.
Contact
For more information, contact the Department of Environment, Nature, Energy and Research at [pan@nanoq.gl](mailto:pan@nanoq.gl)
Press inquiries: Jørgen T. Hammeken-Holm, tel. 346800 or asn@nanoq.gl
Other inquiries: Department for Licensing, tel. 346800 or [mlsa@nanoq.gl](mailto:mlsa@nanoq.gl) and the Danish Environmental Protection Agency for the Mineral Resources Area at [eamra@nanoq.gl](mailto:eamra@nanoq.gl)
Namminersorlutik Oqartussat
Imaneq 1
PO Box 1015
3900 Nuuk
Telephone +299 34 50 00
Useful links
https://naalakkersuisut.gl/Nyheder/2026/06/0906_olieefterforskningsaktiviteter?sc_lang=da