A U.S. oil company with ties to U.S. President Donald Trump brought in drilling equipment without prior approval and was warned by the Greenland government. Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, but the authority over natural resource development lies with the Greenland government.
According to the Guardian on the 8th (local time), Greenland Energy, based in Texas, recently unloaded about 12 containers carrying oil exploration drilling equipment in Jameson Land in eastern Greenland.
The Greenland government issued a statement saying the equipment was brought in without prior approval and sent the company a "stern warning." It also notified the company that all future logistics operations must be reported in advance to and approved by the mineral resources authorities before proceeding.
Greenland Energy believes there may be as much as $1 trillion worth of crude oil beneath Jameson Land and is pursuing a $60 million exploratory drilling project.
Citing environmental protection, Greenland halted the issuance of new oil exploration licenses in 2021. However, the U.K. corporations 80 Miles had obtained exploration rights in Jameson Land before that. Greenland Energy is reportedly planning to secure a majority equity in the project on the condition that it bears the exploration expense.
Greenland Energy is also drawing attention for its connections with figures close to President Trump. It has brought on conservative broadcaster Phil McGraw, who served on Trump's religious freedom commission, to produce a documentary series highlighting the mission of modern oil drillers.
A former U.S. Navy figure involved in the Trump administration's missile defense concept, the "Golden Dome," was also appointed as a director. President Trump argues that the United States must secure control over Greenland to build the Golden Dome.
With President Trump repeatedly signaling his intent to secure Greenland, some are analyzing that the latest equipment shipment may be tied to U.S. plans to annex Greenland. Trump says Greenland is essential to U.S. national security and that it must be secured.
However, Greenland Energy Chairman Larry Swets drew a line, saying the oil exploration project has nothing to do with U.S. moves to secure dominion over Greenland.
Greenland Energy is said to be planning to depart Canada on the 12th of next month with a ship loaded with a large amount of drilling equipment and to begin drilling in October.
While the Greenland government determined there was a problem with bringing in unapproved equipment, it is said to have considered it excessive to demand removal of equipment already brought in. The company's application for a drilling permit is under review.