Trump-linked oil firm’s Greenland drilling plan draws warning

Authorities say no approval granted as equipment lands in remote Jameson Land

Greenland Energy plans oil exploration despite a 2021 halt on new licences.

An American oil company linked to US Pre­sident Donald Trump is preparing to drill in Green­land despite lacking approval from local authorities.

Greenland’s government issued a “strong warning” after equipment for planned drilling was brought ashore in Jameson Land. It said all future logistical activity must receive prior approval from the mineral resources authority. “All future logistical matters must be advised and approved by the mineral resources authority before they are carried out,” the government said.

Texas-based Greenland Energy, established last year, claims crude worth $1 trillion may lie beneath the region. It plans to fund exploration after taking a majority stake in a project whose rights are held by UK company 80 Mile.

Greenland stopped issuing new oil licences in 2021 on environmental grounds. The proposed drilling also appears to fall within a conservation area protected under the Ramsar convention on wetlands.

Greenland Energy said discussions with regulatory authorities had been constructive and it was working towards remaining approvals. The government said an application was still being processed. The company plans to begin drilling in October.