Greenland grants two further exploration licences to Amaroq Minerals
The government of Greenland has awarded two further exploration licences to Amaroq Minerals, the company said on Tuesday.
“The award of these two new and highly prospective mineral licences complements our existing portfolio and is evidence of our long term vision for the Greenlandic mining sector and our commitment to Greenland as a strategic supplier of essential critical minerals to the West,” Eldur Olafsson, Amaroq’s CEO, told Eye on the Arctic in emailed comment on Wednesday.
“We believe that Greenland has potential to supply the West with the much-needed minerals to provide for a sustainable future.”
REE deposits
The two new licences in southern Greenland total 1,916.81km2.
The Paatusoq West licence area is believed to contain economically viable concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs).
REEs are in high demand for various technologies and industries including electronics and renewable energy.
The Nunarsuit licence area is part of an existing copper belt and is also home to an unexplored REE district, the company said.
“Gaining these new licence areas is fully aligned to our strategy of securing exploration rights across South Greenland’s gold and critical mineral belts,” Olafsson said.
“Whilst we cannot at this stage specify a timeline, we intend to pursue copper and critical mineral discoveries across these licences over the coming years with our joint venture partner for our strategic minerals division.”
Economic impact for the region is likely to include collaboration with local contractors, helicopter charters, site services providers and geological drilling teams, the company said.
“We are committed to hiring local employees and promoting Greenlandic talent,” Olafsson said.
The company says the new exploration licences have increased its holdings to 9,785.56 km2, making it the largest mineral exploration company holding in Greenland.
Write to Eilís Quinn at eilis.quinn@cbc.ca
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Digging for green minerals a priority for the North, says Canadian minister, CBC News
Greenland: Five Eyes alliance urged to forge ties with Greenland to secure minerals, Thomson Reuters
Norway: Arctic Economic Council appoints new Chair, Eye on the Arctic
Sweden: Swedish developer plans to build greenest iron mine in Kirkenes, The Independent Barents Observer
United States: Companies announce investment in major Alaska oil project, Alaska Public Media
