Greenland issued “strong warning” this summer after drilling equipment moved despite expired approval
A company moved drilling equipment in eastern Greenland this summer, despite an expired approval, promting a “strong warning” from the Greenlandic government.
White Flame Energy A/S holds three oil exploration licenses for Nunap Qeqqa/Jameson Land, in eastern Greenland, with the company owned by British firm 80 Mile PLC, the government said.
According to the project description on the Greenland government’s website, White Flame had permission in 2025 to move what the Greenlandic government describes in “a small amount of equipment” north from the town of Tasiilaq and deliver it to the project raea. But because of bad weather, the company couldn’t move the equipment before the approval expired in December 2025.
Greenland’s government said White Flame Energy reapplied for approval this year and that their application is still being processed. But despite that, the equipment was still moved from Tasiilaq to Nerlerit Inaat, an airport near the site.
“A strong warning will be sent to the licensee with a warning that all future logistical matters must be advised and approved by the mineral resources authority – before they are carried out,” Greenland’s Ministery of Trade and Mineral Resources said in a July 30 statement.
The government said it considered possible restrictions, but decided against it.
“It would not be proportionate to demand that the equipment be transported back to Tasiilaq, as the immediate situation at Nerlerit Inaat is in order,” it said.
“The licensee has stated that an agreement has been made with Greenland Airport to have the equipment stored at Nerlerit Inaat. The materials will not be transported further until the necessary approvals are in place.”
U.S. investor aiming for winter 2026-2027 approval
In a message to shareholders on August 6, U.S. company Greenland Energy, an investor and operator in the project, said it, 80 Mile Plc, and Greenlandic government officials had agreed that they’ll concentrate on one exploration well during the 2026-2027 winter season.
“Recent high-level meetings between project leadership and Greenlandic regulatory and oversight authorities have been constructive, and we continue to be encouraged by the progress being made toward the remaining approvals required for drilling,” it said.
The Greenlandic government says on its website that technical approvals, environmental and social impact assessments and public consultations still need to be completed before drilling can be approved.
Naalakkersuisut, the Government of Greenland, stopped granting new oil and gas exploration permits in 2021 over climate and and environmental concerns, but said exisitng permits would remain valid, given the legal complexity in revoking them.
All three of White Flame Energy’s permits were issued to prior to 2021 and remain at the exploration phase.
The permits are valid until 2028.
The Greenlandic government says on its website that the presence of commercial quantaties of oil at Nunap Qeqqa/Jameson Land has yet to be determined.
Greenland Energy and the Government of Greenland have been contacted for comment.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Yukon government offers incentives to switch to fossil fuels and rebates on electric bills, CBC News
Finland: Lapland among regions not in favour of wind power compensation for eastern Finland, Yle News
Norway: Will the green transition be the new economic motor in the Arctic?, Eye on the Arctic
Russia: Fuel crisis grips Karelia in northern Russia, The Independent Barents Observr
Sweden: Electricity prices climb in Sweden as Russian gas pipeline goes offline, Radio Sweden
United States: Alaska’s Northwest Arctic Borough gets $2 million tribal energy grant, Alaska Public Media
