Greenland issues sharp warning to Trump-linked oil project

Greenland's government has issued a sharp warning to Texas-based Greenland Energy over its oil exploration activities in the Nunap Qeqqa region. The company, which has multiple connections to former U.S. President Donald Trump, proceeded with a crucial part of its operations without the necessary permits.

Geological assessments indicate that the Nunap Qeqqa area, formerly known as Jameson Land on eastern Greenland, may hold over 13 billion barrels of oil. Several energy companies have expressed interest in drilling there. Although Greenland has a general moratorium on new licenses since 2021, British firm 80 Mile had previously secured prospecting rights. Greenland Energy has since provided financing and secured a majority stake in potential future profits from this project.

In September, the company moved equipment from Dundas in northwestern Greenland to Tasiilaq in the southeast, for onward transport to Nunap Qeqqa. However, the final stage of this journey was completed in late July, after the company's permit had expired. This prompted the Greenlandic government to issue the warning.

"The rights holder will receive a sharp warning with a notification that all future logistical actions must be reported to and approved by the raw materials authority – before they are carried out," the government stated. Despite the warning, the company is not required to return the equipment to Tasiilaq, and a new permit is currently under review. Media reports have previously highlighted links between key figures in the Greenland project and Donald Trump or the Republican party. Trump himself has frequently advocated for Greenland's acquisition by the United States.